THE ESSENCE OF DROPOUT STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF GULOMEKEDA WOREDA, TIGRAY REGION

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and trends of students’ dropout, to identify the major factors and measures to be taken to minimize students’ dropout in secondary schools of Gulomekeda woreda. The researcher used a descriptive survey design. The instruments of data collection of this study were questionnaire, document analysis and interviews, to provide enough information from participants of the study to attain the research objectives. Data was collected from hundred teachers, ten vice principals, and eight principals through questionnaires. Stratified random sampling was used to select teachers’ respondents from both males and females and convenience sampling was applied to select vice principals and principals. Structured interview was carried out with two supervisors and twenty four parents. The data collected from questionnaires were analyzed and interpreted by frequency, percentage and mean. While, the data obtained from documents and interview were analyzed using frequency and percentage. Findings of the study showed that trends of students’ dropout of Gulomekeda woreda secondary schools has been increasing from time to time. Dropouts of grade nine students were the worst when it was compared with other grade levels of secondary schools. The major factors that influence students to dropout were the result of in-school and out-school related factors. among the in school related factors; un conducive school environment, low expectation on the future success, school distance from home, lack of students management, reputedly absenteeism from school, inappropriate relationships between teachers and students, weak relationship among stakeholders and disciplinary problems were among the major causes. Regarding out-school factors; drought and/or famine, early marriage,, migration, family divorce, parents need child labor, peer group influence, lack of material and financial support and students involvement in income generating activities among the major cultural, social and economic identified factors. Depending on the results of findings, the study recommended that, creating awareness on the society on the value of education, stakeholders to participate in school affaires and working effectively for making conducive school environment. school leaders related with stakeholders should give continuous advising and counseling to students on their economic, social and psychological problems a student who is under risks of dropping out could get advantage and change their idea of dropping out of school, the government should open at least one secondary school in each rural area of elementary school cluster center to reduce distance; schools those who have succeeded in reducing dropout of students should share their best experiences and they should be rewarded by providing incentives based on their performance. The government collaborates with nongovernmental organizations (NGO’s) and other voluntaries should provide school feeding program in all secondary schools of the study area.