Early Childhood Education and its Impact on Enrolment Enhancement at Primary Level, Rural Areas

Abstract

This research study aimed to determine the impact of pre-primary education in rural government schools on enhancing enrolment. Twenty schools were drawn from three remote areas of Sindh province of District Malir, Gudap. The enrolment data of katchi, class I, current class II, previous class- II and current class III was collected from schools to evaluate the enrolment rate of children who get pre-primary education and who do not and are directly enrolled in class I. The results of overall investigations postulate that there is no major impact of government initiatives to improve the quality of education. The results also negate the assumption that children admitted to the katchi class have a greater chance of continuing further education and a lesser chance of dropping out of school. The results postulate that other factors lead to the lower enrolment enhancement rate from the primary classes in Sind generally and in the selected Gadap town specifically, which need to be further investigated. The study recommends a focus on community engagement, school-based leadership, improved infrastructure, teacher training, improved curriculum and participation of parents.