Child Labour and School Drop-out Rates: A Case Study of Selected Primary schools in Kobulubulu Sub-County, Kaberamaido District.

Abstract

OCHUNG MOSES MATHEW (2006-M053-10009) Child Labour and School Drop-out Rates: A Case Study of Selected Primary schools in Kobulubulu Sub-County, Kaberamaido District. Vast research has been conducted in the field of child labour. The relationship between child labour and school drop-out rates in rural communities is the area of concern for this report. This has been due to the dynamic nature of child labour activities that go unnoticed in this area and more so in Kobulubulu sub-county of Kaberamaido district. Governments, development partners and international practitioners have made every effort to combat child labour through the provision of Universal Primary Education, incentives like bursaries, scholarships, poverty alleviation programmes like NUSAF, PMA, micro finance institutions, etc but not much has been achieved and yet we are moving towards 2015, the evaluation year of the EFA and MDGs. The reviewed literature provides loopholes in implementation of these programmes as people‟s attitudes have not changed. The study used a case study research design. The study established the perception of the community on the education system, coping strategies and the enforcement of existing laws. A total of 100 respondents were interviewed altogether. Both simple random and purposive sampling procedures were used. Questionnaires were administered to technical staff within Kaberamaido district while interview guides were conducted with the community respondents. To compare data, Pupils Attendance Registers (PAR) forms were analysed for Kalyamese and Akwalakwala Primary schools. The objectives were so helpful to achieve the desired effects of child labour on school drop-out. This research has revealed salient findings among which are: The communities are aware of child work and where the children work. They know who employs these children and the actual numbers of children who have dropped out from school. Poverty is the major contributory factor to child labour amidst structural irregularities that are still in the communities. The education system is not beneficial to the plight of the children evidenced by teachers‟ ignorance on the importance of registers in schools. There is massive violation of children‟s rights and responsibilities as children are taken as cheap labour and do not enjoy the protection of adults. Traditional safety nets have broken down leaving many child-headed families. The parents/guardians have failed in their role of sending the children to school and summarily this study assures us that child labour is a result of dropping out of school not a cause. The community‟s knowledge and understanding of child labour is paramount in its elimination. The following recommendations have been proposed: massive sensitisation of communities by the community-based services of the district through the media and community meetings. Enforcement of existing laws and communities are encouraged to promote self-assurance through involvement in activities that enable them cope with situations of need. The education sector should provide surveillance mechanisms to enhance early tracking of children at risk of dropping out. Key Words: Child Labour, School Drop-out Rates, Primary schools, Kaberamaido District.