Dropouts in the primary schools, a cause for concern: A case of Shurugwi South Resettlements Primary Schools 2006 to 2013

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to student drop out rate in Shurugwi South Resettlements. The participants namely head teachers and teachers were purposely selected, in line with the qualitative research approach. Open ended questionnaires, face to face interview; focus groups and document analysis were used as sources of data collection instruments. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The case study also allows the researcher to explore a bounded system (a case) over time through detailed, in-depth at collection involving multiple sources of information interviews, observations, documents and reports (Cresswell,2007). Qualitative data analysis revealed that dropouts resulted from an array of challenges. These included early marriages for girl child, pregnancy, and lack of finance, poverty, traditional and religious beliefs. Some of the strategies proffered to reduce dropouts included working in coalitions, creating partnership, hosting community conversations and creating prevention plans, teacher parent consultations, and guidance and counselling programmes. This study recommended that the government, community members and teachers work together and come up with a solution to reduce the impact of school dropouts.