SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS AND GIRL CHILD EDUCATION ATTAINMENT IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RUHINDA-NORTH COUNTY, MITOOMA DISTRICT

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing girl-child education in selected secondary schools in Ruhinda North County, Mitooma District, with a particular focus on socio-economic, cultural, and institutional barriers that impact their educational attainment, retention, and completion rates. The research questions that guided the study were: What is the influence of household income on girls' educational attainment in Ruhinda North County? What is the effect of family dynamics on girls’ education attainment in Ruhinda North County?, and What is the impact of access to resources on girls’ education attainment in Ruhinda North County?. Employing a quantitative approach, the study analyzed data on dropout rates, school enrollment, and completion figures from 2017 to 2022. The data analysis for this study was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize and present the key characteristics of the study population. To further address the research questions, inferential statistical techniques were applied. The findings reveal that financial constraints, household responsibilities, and sociocultural norms, such as early marriages and gender biasness are significant barriers to girls’ education in the region. Additionally, long distances to school, lack of infrastructure, and poor health and nutrition have also exacerbated these challenges. The analysis also highlights the importance of parental support, community involvement, and teacher encouragement in enhancing girls' educational outcomes, although these factors are insufficient to overcome the broader systemic barriers. The study concludes with recommendations to improve educational outcomes for girls, including the provision of financial support, the creation of safe and gender-sensitive learning environments, and the improvement of school infrastructure and transport systems. These interventions are aimed at addressing the socio-economic and cultural barriers to girls' education, fostering a more equitable educational landscape in Ruhinda North, Mitooma District.