Case Study of Out-of-School Children in Municipality of Ternate: Basis for an Enhanced Project "KALINGA"

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to document the personal stories of pupils who have dropped out of elementary school. Specifically, it sought supply the following information: the demographic profile of the informants, reasons dropping out of school, feeling or reaction about dropping out to school, activities of the informants while out of school, future plans of the informants with regards to schooling and, lastly, the assistance, if any, needed by the informant to continue schooling.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative research design through a case study. Here, ten 13 years and older informants who reached elementary and dropouts from school for more than 3 years and their respective parents were interviewed. Key informants such as teacher and guidance counselor were also interviewed.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that financial problem, family problem, and distance to school were the reasons why pupils dropped out of school. As a matter of fact, there were schools in the municipality wherein the houses of the informants are really far so they have to walk just to be in school.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings showed that students dropouts are one of the serious problems which starts in elementary and continue in Senior High School. This makes early intervention necessary to prevent pupils from continuing on this path through their educational experiences. It is an alarming issue that affects socio-economic development. Pupils dropping out does not only affect the community but also affect the nation as a whole. It will be a waste of educational resources without achieving the country's mission and vision if the dropout rate among elementary pupils will continue to increase.