Participation and Performance of Female Pupils in Urban Primary Schools: The Case of Awassa City Administration
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Date
2004-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the participation and performance of female pupils
in primary schools of Awassa town.
To achieve this aim, 430 primary pupils; 81 teachers; directors of aU the sample schools; 79
parents and 2 women representatives were involved as research participants. The required
data was secured using different instruments such as: questionnaires, guided interview, test
administration, document analysis and focus group discussion. Accordingly, the data
secured was analyzed by using different methods of data analysis, like: narrative approach
for qualitative data and statistical approach (including percentages and t- test) for
quantitative data.
The results obtained indicate that female participation (enrolment) In Awassa is
encouragIng.
However, the findings further indicate that not all school-age girls in the town are attending
school. The major reasons indicated for not going to school were economic problem and
household demand of child labor. Regarding survival in the education system, female
pupils survival compared with their peer opposite sexes is high. Girls repeat grades more
than boys. Besides, absenteeism is also considerable for female pupils. The test
administration revealed that no significant difference in achievement is observed between
the two sexes in English and mathematics. The schools under study are impoverished, they
lack basic amenities like: drinking water, books, library, laboratory, --- etc. It was further
identified that schoo l- community relationship is poor. Further more, political and
institutional factors are found to be conducive in promoting female education.
Implications forwarded in terms of intervention strategies include: providing economic or
material incentives for poor households, improving existing facilities in schools, promoting
gender sensitive training, arranging guidance and counseling services in schools, enhancing
the rights and status of female pupils, increasing the number of female teachers and
directors, developing appropriate record keeping system in schools, strengthening school community
relation ship and making schools conducive and friendly for girls.
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