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Education authorities in Zombo District are raising alarm over the soaring rate of girl child dropout, particularly in regions bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sub-counties such as Akaa, Abanga, Zeu, Kango, Paidah TC, and Jangokoro are notably affected by this concerning trend.
District data reveals a stark reality: out of every 100 girls who commence their primary education journey in primary one, merely 27 manage to complete primary seven. This indicates a staggering dropout rate of 73 girls before attaining basic primary education.
Nicholas Odeba, the Zombo District Education Officer, sheds light on the distressing situation at Asina Primary School in Abanga sub-county. Here, a mere three girls sat for the Primary Leaving Examinations last year, underscoring the pervasive issue of dropout rates plaguing the district.
Odeba identifies several factors contributing to the high incidence of girl child dropout, notably early pregnancies and impoverished conditions. Additionally, he points out the negative influence of unregulated social amenities, such as markets and discos across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo, exacerbating the problem.
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Valentine Owile, the headteacher of Awasi Primary School, emphasizes another critical aspect fueling dropout rates: parental neglect. He stresses the pivotal role of parents in nurturing a culture of valuing education and encouraging their children to pursue their academic aspirations.
In the previous year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Zombo District witnessed a disheartening statistic: out of a total of 2,193 candidates, only 821 were female candidates, indicating a significant gender disparity in educational participation.
Various initiatives have been launched to combat this pressing issue, spearheaded by the Alur Kingdom in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Despite these efforts, the desired outcomes in enhancing girls’ retention in primary schools have yet to be achieved, signaling the complexity of the challenges faced.
The situation calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government bodies, community leaders, educators, parents, and NGOs, to address the multifaceted issues contributing to the high dropout rates among schoolgirls in Zombo District. Only through collective action and sustained interventions can tangible progress be made towards ensuring equal access to quality education for all children in the region.
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