Schoolgirl dropouts

[denith]

Schoolgirls’ dropout

   The most recent issue of schoolgirls’ dropout is still at large. There are increasing numbers of female students who give up their education at the early age. Most noticeably, these happen more seriously in the rural areas than in the urban areas. The most recognized reasons of dropout are of cultural, social and poverty influence. Why these factors lead to numerous schoolgirls’ education self-suspension?

   Primarily, the main and most important factor is tradition. For Khmer culture, woman is considered to be a weaker being than man. Thus, they receive less support in any areas of recognition. Education for Cambodian woman is no exception. Traditionally, one family honours male child more than female child, so most supports such as fund goes in favour of male child. Family would provide their boy more extensive coverage for their education more than to girl. This leaves female students no choice but to quit school. This happens more intensive in the countryside. To end, due to the more likelihood of financial supports which have been taken into male account, female students have to face school dropout in high percentages.

    Secondly, poverty is another huge obstacle hinder schoolgirls’ continuation of their education pursuit. While 35% of Cambodian people are still living under the poverty line, and many people live around or near that line, most family does not have sufficient funds for their children to extend their education qualification. As study tells, most students, especially girls, resign from school to find jobs for payment in order to help their family living standard. Those girls leave school at early age, or even underage. Therefore, the dropout of schoolgirls also cause by the existence of poverty throughout the country.

   Lastly, social influence also responsible for massive schoolgirls’ dropout in Cambodia. The likelihood of girls at the age of 17 getting married is becoming common. One of my female friends decided to leave school and got marry to someone four months before the eventual high school final examination. There are other numbers of cases similar to this story. This practice is commonly applied for rich and noble family. They believe that their daughters will be taken into a good care by her husband after wedding, so they do not value the education qualification at all. To summarize, marriage is another reason behind the dramatic early resignations of female students.

   In conclusion, traditional, social and poverty impact the stability of schoolgirls’ education and result in quitting at early age. As Khmer tradition values man higher than woman, schoolgirls are less likely to continue their study into further degree. Poverty also help pauses their desire to continue their study, while the social custom forces them to drop out of school. As far as I can see, women should be made more honourable because the society cannot flourish without the light of woman’s intelligence. And women should also consider their options for living before agreeing to quit school for marriage. The poverty issue is far from my hand to solve but I hope the government should generate more funds to help prevent poor female students from leaving school without any proper qualifications.

[Toledo]

  Hi Poster

I think poverty is the main reason. Education should be serious considered by the government.  But actually they don't do the right thing. No need to talk about the quality of the students. Compare to neighbour countries. We are the lose loser. I'm not pesimistic. It is obviously show to you. I'm not talk about the politic. We should understand how to improve education. You know family is the most important fact. Your parents have saved money for you to go to colleage and you are really lucky. But if not you must go to work to earn for living. By the way, if you are a woman in Cambodia, you are not supposed to take further education because many of them think woman only do the housework and look after children.