Primary Education for the Pastoralist Community of Somali Region-Challenges and Opportunities
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Date
2007-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the status of primary school participation of
Liben Zone. It also aimed at identifying the major socio-cultural socio- economic and
school related factors that hinder primary school participation. It further investigates the
alternative modes of delivery that promote participation by reviewing experience of other
countries. Descriptive survey data analysis method was used. Percentage was one of the
statistical methods that used to explain the personality characteristics of respondents. In
addition, The Chi-square (X2) was also used to measure the exista,"lce of significant
difference between the responses of respondents. The questionnaires were dislribuled to
students and teachers. Moreover, PTA members and Somalis' of Liben Zone were
involved in the focus group discussions and inlerviews respectively. The data obtained
from documentary analysis indicated that the Somali region net enrollment ratio was
found to be far below the national average: It was found that among the socio-cultural
factors, early marriage, modern education could take children time of training, negative
attitude towards girls and their education and f ear of modern education in providing
skills about livestock are found to be the major impediments to primary school
participation. As to socio-economic factors, high demand of child labor, poverty, health
problems, lack of water and forage for animals and the mobile life of pastoralists are the
major obstacles for primary school participation. In addition, lack of special support and
separate toilet for girls, lack of water services in schools and shortu~:e of students text
books were found to be the major impediments of primary school participation regarding
school related factors. However, fear of religious and cultural change, children will be
disobedient after school, lack of awareness of teachers', inappropriate medium of
instruction, problems of sexual harassment or rape, and fear of early pregnancy found to
have low impact on primary school participation in Liben Zone. To over come these
problems, it is recommended that the Regional cmd Federal Governments incorporation
with the community and different NGDs should design strategies that meet the needs of
Somali pastoralists through opening boarding schools, hostels, school feeding programs
and increasing demand by introducing incentives. Moreover, community sensitization
programs should be designed and implemented.
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Keywords
Education for the Pastoralist Community