Low primary school enrollment among refugee children in Nakivale Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated factors leading to low primary school enrollment among children in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District. The study used a cross-sectional research design employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods covering 60 households with with children of school going age. Each household was represented by an adult respondent; the head of the household or the spouse. Data were collected using both structured questionnaires and interview guides; for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study findings revealed that there were a number of household factors that influence school enrollment. These included the number of children in the household (53.3%), lack of money (73.3%), long distance (53.3%). The study further revealed that parents‘ attitudes and perceptions play a big role regarding whether to enroll the children in primary or not; 42.2% and 31.3% perceived education as a tool to enhancing self-reliance and eradicating poverty respectively. The study recommends the need to enlightened parents about the importance of enrolling children in school as this will equipped them to overcome life challenges presented in the wake of difficulties like being a person of concern.