Abstract:
The study was aimed at assessing gender disparity in enrolment and dropout situations of
Fafan zone refugee camp primary schools. To realize the purpose of the study descriptive
survey research design with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches was
employed. The populations of the study were teachers of the three primary schools of refugee
camps, students, principals, education officers of the refugee camps and parent teacher
association representatives. From this, 54 teachers, 45 students, 6 principals, 3 education
officers, and 21 PTAs were participated on the study selected by availability, purposive and
stratified random sampling techniques. To gather all the necessary data questionnaires
administered to teachers and students; interview was held with principals and education
officers, and focused group discussion was held with PTAs. The secondary data was also
gathered using document analysis. The quantitative data gathered through questionnaires
was analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean, standard
deviation, and chi-square by using SPSS V.16.0. The qualitative data collected through
interview and focused group discussion was analyzed qualitatively through narrative
description. The results of the study showed that there is gender disparity towards enrolment
and dropout of students, circumcision and early marriage, and negative attitude of male
students and parents towards females’ education. Also the findings of the study revealed long
school distance, high students class ratio, high teachers class ratio, shortage of budget to
construct additional class rooms, to hire additional teachers, and to fulfill school facilities
like toilets, library, pedagogy, and sport filed and material. Moreover; it was found out that
high domestic work of female students at home, and outside the home which influenced their
education. It was concluded that parents’ and male students’ attitude, house hold chores,
circumcision, and early marriage have a significant effect on females’ education. Also school
related factories like school distance, teachers’ students’ ratio, students’ class ration and
school facilities have a significant influence on students’ enrollment and dropout. Finally, it
was recommended that principals, teachers, PTAs and education officers should sensitize the
communities towards girls’ education, encourage timely enrolment, and aware the community
to avoid harmful traditions. Moreover, ARRA, UNHCR, and NGOs have to fulfill school
facilities, create livelihood programs and Lower school distance through expansion of
alternative schools.
