Abscondment and gender disparity cause more school dropouts - Survey
A SURVEY has found that abscondment and gender disparity are the leading causes of school dropouts in Eswatini.
The survey, presented during the Education Management Information System (EMIS) launch from DHIS2 shed light on concerning dropout trends in Eswatini’s education system.
The survey unearthed disparities between primary and secondary schools, with distinct gender patterns and predominant reasons for dropout. According to the survey, primary schools are grappling with a significant dropout rate, with males constituting 54% of those leaving the education system prematurely. Alarmingly, the dropout rate peaks in Grade 6, indicating a critical juncture where learners disengage from formal education.
The primary reasons cited for dropout include abscondment, often compounded by repeated grade failures. On the other hand, secondary schools are witnessing a higher dropout rate among females, comprising 57.3% of those exiting prematurely.
Dropout occurrences are most prevalent in Forms 1, 2, and 4, suggesting challenges persisting across multiple stages of secondary education. The survey identifies abscondment as the primary cause of dropout, followed closely by instances of pregnancy and financial constraints related to school fees.
Also revealed in the study is that learner enrollment dropped by 2.7% in 2023 in Primary schools. There were 220 209 with 51.8% being males and 48.2% being females. The 2.7% enrollment drop equates to 6068 learners. The Kingdom of Eswatini has implemented a Dhis2-based digital education management information system to promote equitable access to quality education.
The Ministry of Education and Training collaborated with UNICEF, the University of Oslo and HISP groups to revamp basic education planning and management, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, by leveraging features of the DHIS2 platform. During its launch at Sibane Hotel recently, the Ministry of Education and Training expressed that the upgraded EMIS promises timely and accurate data, essential for informed decision-making and effective program planning and implementation within the education sector.
The Minister who was represented by Under Secretary Naniki Mnisi applauded the system and emphasized the critical role of data in policy decisions and program planning. Mnisi stated, “Sound policy decisions, program planning, budgeting, and monitoring in the education sector must be based on reliable, accurate, relevant, and timely statistics.”
She likened the importance of data to the world’s most valuable resource, asserting that without it, efforts in service provision would be misplaced.
The EMIS, a Pin-driven system, enables the the tracking of individual pupils, ensuring personalized support wherever and whenever needed. Moreover, its interlinkable nature with other government systems such as Birth Registration facilitates effective planning for children entering Grade zero and Grade 1, enhancing budgeting and allocation of services, including Free Primary Education grants.