An investigation on social economic factors contributing to pupils' drop out in primary schools of Igembe districts, Meru county

Abstract

education is the most important tool for the development in a country. It is a social that supports all other pillars for the well-being of a country. It is through education that a country produces its own professionals such as teachers, doctors, engineers, and business persons. Therefore, it should be emphasized and focused on as well as enforced so that everyone acquires basic education. Primary school education is most basic and important. This study focused on investigating the causes of drop out • primary schools of Igembe District. The study and its literature review were based on general overview on the importance of education, wastage, drop out and the causes. The archer used an ex-post facto research design since changes had already taken place rurally. The sample size was composed of 17 head teachers, 17 guidance and counseling teachers and 211 pupils giving a total of 245 subjects. The instruments used the study were questionnaires and personal observations. To test validity of the instruments, a pilot study involving one school was done. The corrections and amendments on the questionnaires were done. After collecting of the data, an analysis done using a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), a Software program for analyzing research data. The study established the causes of drop outs in the school as a k of proper guidance and counseling, organized provision of lunch, enough teaching staff, undisciplined and disinterested students, poor relationship between pupils and teachers, over age pupils and repetition of classes. Other factors included poverty among the parents, child labour, peer pressure and effects of HIV/ AIDS. The study made the following recommendations in curbing dropouts which included curbing child labour by use of the stake holders. Affirmative action for the boy child who are the main dropouts can be practiced to encourage the others. Review of the curriculum on the training of teachers so as to include more guidance and counseling and life skills so that the same can be used to guide the students. Cultural practices such as initiation of boys and early marriages should be delayed. The schools should organize frequent meetings tween pupils, parents and teachers to address the problem of drop out. Role models o have gone through schools should be making frequent meetings at the local levels encourage the young pupils.