Dropout Ethnic Minority Young People

Abstract

The case studies of six ethnic minority young people who had dropped out of their schooling are presented. Three were Nepalese, two were Pakistani and one was Bangladeshi. None of them were born in Hong Kong. Four moved to Hong Kong from their home country during their primary schooling and two when they were at secondary school. Four of the participants were interviewed twice and two were once to ascertain their background information and family, their schooling, and life experiences in Hong Kong. Two of the young people were also observed in their workplaces. Their interviews are presented under themes. Common themes presented are reasons for dropping out of school, job satisfaction and future plans. Reasons are related to learning Chinese, over-age, racism, poor academic achievement, behavioural problem, harassment, employment, illness, dropout history in the family, parental factors, school factors, and peer and community factors. The case studies are further explored in a cross case analysis in Chap. 9.