DETERMINANTS OF RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOL DROP-OUT IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE OF RUSHINGA DISTRICT, MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE

Abstract

The study explored determinants for school dropouts as a basis for management strategies to reduce it in rural schools. Study was motivated by the prevalence of pupils dropping out of rural secondary schools in Rushinga District, Mashonaland Central Province. School dropouts are a direct attack on the education for all policy in Zimbabwe. This study was guided by pragmatism research philosophy poised at understanding appropriate rural school human related variables which can be analyzed using mixed methods to facilitate triangulation of survey, document analysis and focus group discussions. School dropout problem required data collection from purposive samples of schools, parents and learners. The inclusion criterion was their being rich sources, being available and willing to participate in the study. Data was gathered through focus group discussions contributed by 193 parents who attended school development meetings in nine (9) secondary schools. Seventy-two (72) learners from these schools responded to a selfadministered questionnaire. The study found a (2%) learner dropout prevalence rate in Rushinga. There is an association between gender and inclination to drop out. Girls were more inclined to drop out of school than boys. Factors motivating learner drop out included; low ability to handle academic curriculum, perceived low economic utility value of Zimbabwe’s education, perceived happiness in marriages and readily available cash for gold panning. The study recommends a decentralized curriculum developing skills for the utilization of local economic resources. For example, in rushing, a curriculum focused on mining and environmental conservation would be appropriate. Learners need parental support discouraging them from early marriages. Awareness campaigns against early marriages can be done in schools, churches and any social gatherings to educate both children and adults. Teachers are called upon to apply a variety of teaching methods to motivate pupils and raise their performance. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education facilitate low cost boarding facilities.