The Girl-Child and Government Service Provision.pdf - Tanzania ...

Table 3–5. Working adolescentsLos ChilesUpalaLa CruzAbangaresSta. CruzBoysGirls21.3%3.6%20.4%4.5%17.8%2.9%13.7%2.2%8.2%2.4%Source: Table 3–5 is based on the study Trabajo infantil y adolescente peligroso en Costa Rica, IPEC/ILO, 2003.girls perform better, and only 5 per cent asserted thatboys perform better.According to the MEP, for the year 2002, at a national level,87 per cent of girls passed, while 83 per cent of boyspassed. These figures are quite close to the data shown inthe area under study. Those who fail have to take make-upexams or repeat the course. 4In the cantons studied, drop-out rates for girls in primaryschool reached 4.24 per cent, while those for boysreached 5.42 per cent. These percentages are higher thanthe national averages, which are 3.6 per cent for girls and4.2 per cent for boys. In secondary school the percentageof dropouts is even more marked: 10.2 per cent for girlsand 13.2 per cent for boys. These figures are more comparableto national averages.According to the teachers interviewed, the main cause forabsences is that parents do not send their children orforce them to attend. However, this is more evident in thecase of boys (63 per cent of the teachers asserted this),than for girls (49 per cent) (see Figure 3–1). Even thoughthis situation could initially be interpreted as neglect bythe parents, we should reflect on the root causes of thisphenomenon.In the context of the complex economic situation of manyfamilies, having to send their children to school is a heavyburden. Many parents prefer for children to occupy themselvesin activities that will help support the family, eitherthrough remunerated work or otherwise.Not being able to purchase the necessary items for sendingtheir children to class limits and discourages both childrenFigure 3–1. Main reasons why children do not attend classesNumber of times mentioned2520151050Girls63 %Boys49 %30 %28 %22 % 22 %20 %20 %11 %11 %1 2 3 4 5ReasonsReason 1: Geographic difficulties - climateReason 2: They don't like schoolReason 3: They have chores to do at homeReason 4: They have to work in other production activitiesReason 5: Parents do not send or force them to attend62 The Girl-Child and Government Service Provision