The influence of school environment on girls’ retention in government-aided primary schools in Nakalama Sub-County, Iganga district.

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the influence of school environment on girls’ retention in government aided primary schools in Nakalama Sub County, Iganga district. The study was guided by three objectives namely; to establish the contribution of the school administrative structures on girls’ retention, to determine the role of physical structures on girls’ retention and to identify the contributions of social relationships on girls’ retention. Cross sectional survey was the research design. The study involved 310 respondents selected from 10 primary schools namely 10 head teachers, 80 teachers, 20 members of School Management Committees and 200 pupils. Research instruments were Self-administered questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussions, observation and documentary analysis. The study findings, revealed that girls’ retention is influenced by; the contributions of administrators and senior women teachers, the presence of sanitary facilities, the adequacy of teaching-learning facilities, the teacher learner relationship and teacher- learner – parent conferencing. It was then concluded that administrative structures affect girls’ retention just like social and physical structures. It was noted that the performance of head teachers, teachers and senior women teachers contribute to girls’ retention just like social relationships which include peer influence, teacher-parent- pupil conferencing and pupils – teachers relationships. It was also concluded that the nature and condition of physical structures equally influence the retention of girls in primary schools. It was then recommended that schools administrators should always endeavor to put in place administrative systems and facilities that favour all pupils but with specific consideration for girls.