Analysis of factors causing poor passing rates and high dropout rates among primary school girls in Malawi

Abstract

Factors that cause poor examination passing rates and high dropout rates among primary school girls in Malawi were analysed. First hand data was collected by conducting a survey in all the three regions of Malawi. The respondents to the questionnaire were girls (402) who are repeating the last class in primary schools (Standard 8), primary school teachers (481) and Head teachers (82). Secondary data sourced from the Malawi Ministry of Education and the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) was also analysed to validate the survey results. The perception by most primary school girls was that they do not perform well in their examinations due to lack of interest (30.2%). However, only a handful of Head teachers and teachers considered this as a problem (7%) suggesting that learners and teachers perceive problems in education differently. There was a strong relationship (P<0.05) between poor examination passing rates and dropout rates confirming that girls who fail exams eventually lose interest to continue with school but quit and opt to marry also due to over-age. This study concludes that factors affecting the girl-child education in Malawi are multi-dimensional hence need a multi-sectoral approach to solve. It is recommended that government need to critically examine problems facing the girl-child and institute relevant policies to avoid future implications.