Zombo grapples with 70% drop out rates for school girls

Zombo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Education officials in Zombo District are expressing concern over the high rate of girl child dropout, particularly in areas along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo border. Sub-counties such as Akaa, Abanga, Zeu, Kango, Paidah TC, and Jangokoro are the most affected.

According to data from the district, out of every 100 girls who enroll in primary one, only 27 can complete primary seven, indicating a dropout rate of 73 girls before completing primary education.

Nicholas Odeba, the Zombo District Education Officer, highlights the situation at Asina Primary School in Abanga sub-county, where only three girls sat for the Primary Leaving Examinations last year due to the majority dropping out.

Odeba attributes the high dropout rate among girls to factors such as early pregnancy and poverty. He also points out that unregulated social amenities, such as markets and discos across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contribute to the problem.

Valentine Owile, the headteacher of Awasi Primary School, adds that parental neglect is another factor contributing to the dropout rate. He emphasizes the importance of parents guiding their children to value education and pursue their professional dreams.

In the previous year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Zombo District recorded only 821 female candidates out of a total of 2,193 candidates.

Efforts to address the issue have been made through initiatives led by the Alur Kingdom in collaboration with NGOs. However, these efforts have not yet yielded the desired outcomes in improving girls’ retention in primary schools.

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