The highest form of development is that of personal development, the best way to develop an individual is to educate them. However, to achieve that in terms of girl child education, there is need to erase the barriers that stand in the way of girl children successfully completing their education. It is important to note that it is not enough to just build schools and put a teacher in a classroom. But there is a need to go into the intricate issues with regards to ensuring that the education system fulfills its purpose.
Girl child school dropout has been on the rise in Africa as various factors have led to more girl children dropping out of school before they can graduate. It should be mentioned that, the gender inequality gap cannot be bridged without the necessary empowerment of women and the greatest empowerment that can be given to anyone is the empowerment of the mind.
The non-completion of school by many girl children in Southern Africa is a serious concern for our educational and economic system. By leaving school before graduation, many girl child dropouts have considerable educational deficiencies that limit their financial and social well-being throughout their adult lives. It is, therefore, important to examine the complex process that underlies the decision to leave school. The need for a functioning and efficacious education system that gives a priority to girl children cannot be overstated. It is crucial to understand why so many children are excluded from educational opportunity. Until every girl child is given an equal opportunity and the necessary resources to complete their education, the education system will be failing in fulfilling its purpose and the cycle of poverty in Africa will continue.
Girl child school dropout is a scourge that needs urgent attention by all stake holders and the consented effort of every one in ensuring that the girl child receives full education and that the various barriers that stand in the way of girl children finishing school are eradicated.
While commending the efforts being made by various government and organization, there is need for more effort to bridge the gender gap in education. There is need to devise diagnostic tools, to identify problems in particular cultural settings that add to girls dropping out of school or not being completely given the opportunity to pursue their studies, while also devising cultural specific solutions to these problems. You empower a girl, you empower a nation, let us educate girls.