Student drop-out rate on the increase

via Student drop-out rate on the increase – DailyNews Live 1 July 2014 by Margaret Chinowaita

HARARE – There is an increasing number of children dropping out of school, resulting in increased crime and child marriages, a rights group has said.

Phillipah Muchemwa, a lawyer with the Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) said this at a function to commemorate the belated June 16 Day of the African Child.

Muchemwa said more had to be done in providing education. “However, despite the noted milestones that have been achieved by the government, we are concerned with challenges being faced by children due to the economic hardships prevailing in the country, resulting in increased numbers of school drop outs, leading in some instances to children committing crimes and others being forced into early marriages,” Muchemwa said.

The LRF called on the government to implement the new Constitution in order to ensure that education is available, accessible and acceptable.  Pupils from different schools attended and some recited poems rich with meaning.

This year’s theme was ‘‘A child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children.’’

“The theme presented an opportunity for all stakeholders interested in children’s rights, including the government, to reflect on issues affecting children in the country,” Muchemwa said.

“It is also an opportune moment to take stock of the progress made and the outstanding challenges to be overcome before there is full realisation of the right to education.”