Factors that contribute to the high dropout rate of the girl child in the senior grades of the Primary Schools In Mola Cluster, Kariba District.

Abstract

The research study was based on the factors that contribute to the high dropout rate of the girl child in senior grades of the primary in Mola Cluster in Kariba District. The study employed the descriptive design. The sample consisted of thirty-six teachers and sixteen girl dropouts. The thirty six teachers completed questionnaires whilst the sixteen girl dropouts participated in the focus group discussion. Teachers were randomly selected and girl dropouts were purposively selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The main findings were that the school through lack of follow up on dropouts contributed to the high dropout rate of girls in the senior grades of the primary school. The family through failing to report cases of rape contributed to the high dropout rate of the girl child from the senior grades of the primary school. Through failing to react to the increasing number of girls seated at home or getting married the community also contributed to the high dropout rate of the girl child. The research recommends that the Ministry of Education in liaison with Ministry of Women affairs, Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Youth and the local leaders including church should hold awareness campaigns on child abuse and gender equality.