Abstract

Girl's school dropout remains a significant concern due to its profound socio-economic implications, impacting not only the well-being of girls but also a country's overall socio-economic development. In response, practitioners have implemented various strategies to mitigate dropout rates and enhance girls' retention in schools. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Mother Groups in retaining girls in primary schools, utilizing a sample of 106 participants comprising representatives from Mother Groups, Teachers, Pupils currently enrolled in school, and Pupils who had previously dropped out. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining primary data collected through key informant interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions, with secondary data obtained through document analysis. Quantitative analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings indicate a positive perception of Mother Groups among teachers, pupils, school administrators, and community members. Additionally, Mother Groups displayed a favorable attitude towards girl's education and implemented various mechanisms to enhance retention. These mechanisms included establishing organizational structures, implementing regular training schedules, learning from successful Mother Groups, and fostering a conducive learning environment for adolescent girls. Moreover, the study revealed a positive correlation between these mechanisms and girl's retention rates. The presence of Mother Groups in primary schools demonstrates a promising potential to reduce dropout rates among girls. Ensuring the sustainability and functionality of Mother Groups is crucial, as is maintaining positive relationships between Mother Groups and other school stakeholders. This study underscores the importance of continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting girl's education and retention in schools.

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School	: School of Education
Issued Date	: 2024

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