Causes for Student Dropout at Primary Level in Snnpr
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Date
2001-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The mam purpose of this study was to identify the major
reasons(causes) that influence pupils to drop out of school at primary level
in SNNPR and to forward suggestions so that the problem would be
minimized.
To carry out the study, twe lve primary schools were selected £i'om six
zones using the purposive or judgement sampling technique. One hundred
forty-four primary school pupi.ls(72 rel11rnees and 72 non- returnees), twelve
principals, and 36 teachers have filled in the questionnaire. Twelve pupils
from grades 2,3, and 4 and 15 parents and/or community members as well
as 6 ZED ( Zonal Education department) offficials were used as data source
using interview questions. In addition, data on pupil emollment, dropout,
and repetition were collected £i'om the statistical documents of MOE,
SNNPREB, and from the rosters and other documents of the sample schools.
The obtained data were analysed using statistical tools such as
percentages, means, the chi-square, and the rank order correlation
coefficient.
The results of data analysis have shown that student dropout is the
function of the in-school and out-of-school reasons. Among the in-school
factors that have greatly influenced pupils to drop out of school in the
region, incomplete grades of the school level, shortage of school supply and
lack of encouragement from teachers were the major ones. Regarding the
influential out-of-school reasons, pupil s' involvement in income generating
activities, lack of material and financial support and excessive involvement
in domestic work stand out. Other in-school and out-of-school reasons were
also identified although they were not as strong as the above mentioned
ones. The study has also noted that factors which cause pupils to drop out of
school are not single. They are interrelated and interwoven.
On the basis of the findings, such points as up-grading the in-complete
primary schools to 1-8 level, improving the professional competence of
teachers, subsidizing pupils' clothing and school supplies, revising the policy
on school fee, improving the agricultural sector to create more employment
opportunities and expanding and strengthening literacy program and nonformal
education are forwarded as recommendations.
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Causes for Student Dropout