Causes and impacts of the increase in dropout among the male student in primary schools in Muleba District in Kagera Region, Tanzania

The study endeavoured to find out the reasons behind the increase in dropout among the male students in primary schools in Muleba District. It also sought to find out its impact to the community development. The rationale of this study is the researchers’ believes on the idea that keeping boys in school means more peace, thus community development. Six primary schools with high dropout rates were examined. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in data collection, these included interviews, questionnaires, observations, field notes and documents. It was found that male students dropout is a common phenomenon in the wards studied. Findings also showed that, the increase in dropout among the male students in primary school in this area is due to poverty, superstition beliefs and illiteracy connected reasons. Also the ignorance of the local authority (the District Council) to realise the problem of boy students’ dropout, indiscipline behaviour demonstrated by older boy pupils and the effect of insufficient number of teachers and poor school environment was another factor for increase of boys’ dropout. As a result the community is experiencing stagnant or declining economy and social development. The study recommends adult education programmes and campaigns which will educate communities on the importance of education for children of both sexes. Furthermore, local authorities should lay out strategies for boys’ care as it is currently doing for girls and improve school environment. Moreover, parents should responsible for their families and that, retaining boy students in school must be given an equal priority as it is in the case admission.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Kiobya, Annamary Hamis

• 370 Education

Language dc:language

en