Variables Causing Dropout in Chivi South District Primary and Secondary Schools

Abstract

Schools exist to develop the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains of every learner. The main aim is to ensure that exposure to an educational process equips the learners that will enrich their knowledge and skills for future use as individuals and for the benefit of society. Dropout is cause for concern and warrants an in-depth investigation to see the variables that cause it. This study sought to investigate the variables causing dropout in Chivi South primary and secondary schools. The study employed the quantitative paradigm. For data collection, closed questionnaires were used. The major findings were that there is high dropout rate due to orphanage, lack of fees, search for employment in neighbouring countries, parents who place less value on education, early marriages and poor performance at school. The study recommends that the government has to put in place poverty alleviation programmes to capacitate communities with fees payment plans and assist those who live in poverty living conditions. There is need for education campaigns so that some parents who do not value schooling get to know its importance.

Keywords: dropout, completion rates, school, primary school, secondary school