A student leaving school for any reason except death is termed as
dropout. Developed countries face dropout problem largely due to
social, while developing countries confront it mainly due to economic
reasons. This study investigates into important dynamics of dropout in
the study area, with special focus on its gender wise prevalence in
various classes and its comparison with other districts of the province.
Besides, it finds out the key factors leading to dropout in the study
area. In order to achieve objectives of the study, primary data was
collected through questionnaires, interviews and field observations,
while secondary data was obtained from the provincial and district
offices of Education Management Information System (EMIS); District
Census Report; government’s reports, research papers and books etc.
The findings show that dropout rate is alarmingly high in Lower Dir,
standing at 6
th in the list of worst dropout rate amongst 24 districts of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The highest dropout rate was found in
class 9th with about 65% for both sexes, and about 85 % for girls,
which is significantly higher than the provincial 42 % dropout rate.
Furthermore, the analysis reveals that poverty contributes about 60%
to dropout while other main factors like lack of educational facilities in
schools, remoteness of schools from homes, especially the secondary
schools for girls having no proper transport, parents’ behavior about
female education are responsible for this dropout. The study provides
useful suggestions to help control dropout and promote education in
the study area, and, elsewhere in the province.