Why do pupils dropout when education is ‘free’? Explaining school dropout among the urban poor in Nairobi
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Date
2012-07
Authors
Abuya, Benta
Oketch, Moses
Musyoka, Peter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
The introduction of universal primary education in sub-Sahara African
countries in the 1990s increased enrolment rates and provided opportunities
to children who were previously not in school. Research demonstrates
that eliminating fees is not the magic bullet that delivers
universal access. This study seeks to determine risk factors associated
with dropout among primary school children in the low-income areas of
Nairobi. Qualitative data is from the Education Research Program, collected
between June and July 2008. The study found that: dumpsites in
the two slum sites of Korogocho and Viwandani lure children out of
school; school levies still charged in schools keep children out of school;
and chronic poverty within families lure girls aged 14–16 into transactional
sex. In conclusion, the declaration of free primary education is not
sufficient to realize improved educational attainment as dropout after initial
entry negates the purpose for which it was introduced.
Description
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2012.707458
Keywords
Equity and access, Gender issues, Primary education
Citation
Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, Compare, 2013 Vol. 43, No. 6, 740–762, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2012.707458