GENDER DISPARITY IN ENROLLMENT AND DROPOUT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF FAFAN ZONE REFUGEE CAMPS, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE

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.