School Dropouts: Examining the Space of Reasons

BACKGROUND: Dropping out of school is a worldwide phenomenon with drastic mental health consequences for children, families and society. AIM AND MATERIALS & METHODS: This study examines school dropouts in one district in Kerala with an emphasis on looking at multiple reasons for the problem. RESULTS: The most common “reason” was various Physical disorders (80, 21.8%) followed by Mental Retardation (77, 20.9%). Child labour (Employment) came last (30, 8.1%) as a “reason” while financial issues constituted 50 (13.6%). Family issues accounted for 63 (17.1%) and School-related issues 68 (18.5%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to examine a space of reasons for this phenomenon with active involvement and coordination of multiple agencies to examine and support getting children back to school and prevent dropouts.