The social, economic and cultural factors that lead to primary school dropout among children in Nakigo sub-county, Iganga district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the social, economic and cultural factors that lead to primary school dropout among children in Nakigo Sub County, Iganga district. The study was guided by the following objectives; to explore the social factors that influence school dropout among primary school children, to understand the cultural factors that lead to primary school dropout and to understand how economic factors influence primary school dropout among children. The study used a cross sectional research design with both qualitative and quantitative research methods which help to gather information on the social, economic and cultural factors that contribute to primary school dropout. The sample size of the study was 60 and three members who participated in key informant interviews these were selected using purposive sampling method. The findings of the study suggest that the education level of parent has an influence on the education of the children as most 51.7% of them stopped in primary school. There was also the view that the number of children in the household influence school dropout among children as the findings suggests that 35% of the respondents are currently enrolled in school with four other children of the same household. Additionally, a good number of the respondents cited long distance as the cause of school dropout as 50% of them cover between two to three kilometers distance from their homes to the respective school they are currently enrolled in. The study further indicated the role of cultural factors in influencing primary school dropout among children. All the respondents cited a number of cultural factors that lead to primary school dropout for instance the study findings suggest that the location of students plays a role in dropping out of school for example students in rural setting 61.7% are more likely to drop out of school compared to their counterparts in urban settings. The study concludes with a number of recommendations which includes the need for governments should also provide school supplies adequately according to the demands of the students. In both primary schools, trained and qualified teachers especially during the developmental stage of the children should be made available which can also prevent certain problems especially early marriage which eventually leads to early school dropout.