According to recent reports, thousands of students are dropping out during the transition from primary to junior secondary school, highlighting a critical gap in the education system. The phenomenon has been observed in multiple regions, with experts pointing to factors such as lack of support, financial constraints, and inadequate infrastructure.
Data from the Ministry of Education indicates that dropout rates spike during the first year of junior school, particularly among students from low-income families. In some areas, the rate has reached as high as 15%, compared to a national average of 5% for other grade levels.
Education advocates are calling for targeted interventions, including mentorship programs, financial aid, and improved school facilities, to ease the transition and keep students enrolled. The government has announced plans to allocate additional resources to the most affected districts, but implementation remains a challenge.
