Major Factors Contributing to Low Enrollment Ratios in Primary Schools in Sub-Division Wazir Bannu (Merged Area Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Abstract

The objective of this quantitative research was to assess the major factors contributing of low enrollment ratios of male students in primary schools in Sub-division Wazir Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite continued efforts to expand access to primary education, male enrollment in rural and conflict-affected areas remains unreasonably low. The study investigated five key major factors: cultural norms, financial constraints, accessibility to school, parental illiteracy, and regional unrest. The study applied the descriptive survey approach. All of the teachers at government primary educational institutions in the remote sub-division wazir Bannu participated in the study's population. The study's sample was chosen using a simple random procedure. To choose teachers at government primary schools in faraway areas, the researcher employed a random sample approach. The sample has comprised of two hundred and fifty four government primary school’s teachers. Research questionnaire was employed for data collection. Likert scale was used for each statement. Pilot study was also conducted for the instrument. The researcher individually contacted respondents to collect data through Conversations. The gathered data was examined using the social science statistics software. Cronbach Alpha was used to assess reliability, while an expert's judgment was used to assess validity. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed that parental illiteracy, negative cultural views on schooling, poverty, and insecurity are key causes of low primary school enrollment. This study recommends enhancing general security, promoting economic empowerment, raising awareness about education’s value, addressing cultural barriers, and providing financial assistance to parents to increase primary school enrollment in Wazir Bannu’s rural areas.