School Dropout Problems

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE PROBLEM

1.0 Introduction

The study explored the relevance of dropout policies in addressing dropout problem in secondary schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This chapter presents the background information of the research problem, the statement of the research problem, specific objectives of the study, research questions, significance, limitation and delimitation of the study. The chapter also defines key concepts used in the study.

1.1 Background to the Problem

Educational policies on dropout are vital in improving school progression and reducing the numbers of students dropping out of school. The school dropout is a serious problem because it denies individual students their fundamental human

There is general consensus that the school dropout problem has reached epidemic proportions internationally and has become a global problem confronting the education industry round the world (Bridgeland et al., 2006). Edwards (2014) states that millions of children and youth around the world are denied or have limited access to education. For those who attend school, the promise for a future based on their education is dim, as countless numbers children drop out of school and look to survive on the streets. Also adds that, by examining the dropout issue globally shows that many of the challenges around completing school are the same but what varies is the scope and depth of the

On the other hand, UNICEF (2008) assets that, although many nations in the world are determined to create more opportunities for girls’ education to meet the Millennium Development Goals, girls still face many challenges, particularly in poor countries. Statistically, of the 150 million children who are out of school, 100 million are girls. In other words the school dropout problem is also a gender