Comprehensive study on the status of girls in rural schools affecting retention and performance in Kafue District

The major concern of this study was that, despite Kafue District being economical, having Free Primary Education and a re-entry policy, some school going age children are still locked out of school whereas dropouts continue to be pervasive. The objectives of the study were to investigate the factors affecting environment, retention and performance levels in Rural Primary Schools in Kafue District; to ascertain the age and grades of pupils with high dropout rate levels in Primary Schools in Kafue District. The study also sought to establish measures that could be taken to improve Rural Primary School factors affecting environment, retention and performance levels of pupils in primary schools of Kafue District. The research is a mixed method approach- both qualitative and quantitative for data collection. The study used semi-structured interview guide for head teachers, questionnaires for teachers, focus group discussion for pupils, parents and school dropouts. It was then presented using distribution tables, bar and clustered graphs. While qualitative data was in the form of explanation as themes emerged. The findings of the study were that environment, retention and performance levels of pupils in public primary schools were low. The problems of dropout affected girls were more than boys. The first objective found that the factors that influence environment, retention and performance levels of pupils in public primary schools in Kafue District were poverty and conducive environment among others. The second objective showed that the most affected age was 14 and 15 years. The third objective showed that most pupils dropout of school at grade 7. The fourth objective showed that education tours and sensitization to parents and pupils on the importance of education is advisable. The study recommended that the government should conduct aggressive campaigns through churches to sensitise the community on the importance of education.