Enrollment and retention of girls in public primary schools in Tabora municipality.
Date of Award
6-2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Susan Namalefe
Second Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Mweru Mwingi
Department
Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
Abstract
Education is critical in sustainable development and is widely viewed as the most cost effective investment in breaking the vicious cycle of ignorance, diseases and poverty. And as a means of strengthening the family, the environment and the entire society. Girls’ education specifically benefits the family, society and the world as a whole. For instance. Every additional year of female education reduces child mortality by five to ten percent. However. Education for girls is still neglected in some societies. The vulnerability of girls to cultural beliefs and customs, early pregnancy and sexual abuse remains a major challenge to the enrollment and completion of schooling such that some girls are not enrolled in schools and some of those enrolled, do not complete school. This was a small scale study conducted in Tabora municipality to explore stakeholders perceptions of factors influencing enrollment and retention of girls in public primary schools and their suggestions on what can be done to improve the situation. The study adopted a qualitative case study design where information was gathered through individual face-to- face interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The study was conducted in two public primary schools in Tabora municipality. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the schools and the participants. Findings of the study reveal that there are factors that facilitate and hinder girls enrollment and retention in public primary schools. These include poverty, illiteracy, negative socio-cultural beliefs, the school environment, national policy, availability of free education, employment and the roles girls play in the society. The study recommends decentralization of the Education and Training Policy so that it is clear to all stakeholders. Stakeholders and community members need sensitization on the importance of girls' education, and collaboration of all the stakeholders would go a long way in improving the situation.
Recommended Citation
Euphrasia Christopher Buchuma. (2008). Enrollment and retention of girls in public primary schools in Tabora municipality. (Unpublished Masters Thesis). Dar es salaam: Aga Khan University