DROPOUT SITUATION OF FEMALES AT THE BASIC SCHOOL LEVEL: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE GIRLS EDUCATION UNIT'S INTERVENTION IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

In Ghana, enrolment rate in basic education has grown over the years, but the current challenge is the high dropout of pupils. This has led to the institution of the Girls' Education Unit (GEU) to address the issue. This study, therefore, investigated the factors influencing females' dropout situation at the basic school level and how the GEU in the Wa Municipality is addressing the issue. The study used a cross-sectional study design. Semi- structured questionnaire and interviews aided in data collection from a sample size of 184 respondents. The respondents constitute female pupils that dropped out, teachers, parents of dropouts, GEU officials, Guidance and Counselling coordinator, School Health and Education Programme Coordinator, official of Plan Ghana and Circuit Supervisor. Analysis of data used descriptive statistics and inductive coding. The study found out that home based factors that account for dropout are poverty, child labour, parental attitude and pregnancy related issues. Furthermore, the school-based factors triggering dropout include poor academic performance, poor interaction between teachers and girls, inability to pay fees (i.e., school fees, exam fees, extra class fees and PTA dues) and peer influence. Again, the study found out that limited literacy level, loss of human resources, limited employment opportunities, loss of revenue, teenage pregnancy, waste of financial and material resources, damage to school image, shame to family and increase in antisocial behaviour are the effects of dropping out of school. Finally, dropouts challenged GEU effectiveness in tackling of pupils dropping out from basic school. It is concluded that dropping out has negative consequences on both the individual and the society. The study recommends that adequate funding is necessary to increase outreached programmes of GEU to achieve results.