Ayantu Habtamu: Wallaga University, PhD fellow at AAU REGIONAL WORKSHOP SPIR II Learning Event Co-organized by IFPRI, USAID, CARE, ORDA, and World Vision MAY 16, 2023 - 9:00AM TO MAY 17, 2023 - 5:00PM EAT

1. SPIR II RFSA | 2023 Learning Event
Barriers to Enrollment in Secondary School
Faced By Youth And Their Families in Rural
Ethiopia
Ayantu Habtamu: Wallaga University, PhD fellow at
AAU

2. Introduction
• This formative study is part of the SPIR II learning agenda lead by
(IFPRI) in close collaboration with the implementation partners
(CARE and World Vision).
• The objective of this formative qualitative investigation was to learn
more about the challenges linked to youth education in the secondary
school period.
• The qualitative data collection was conducted from March 7 to 24,
2022 in Oromia regional state, West Hararghe (Daru Lebu woreda)
and East Hararghe (Kurfa Chelle woreda).

3. Introduction…
• The primary research questions focused on:
1) The primary obstacles to enrollment in secondary school for youth
in rural communities.
2) The differential barriers to enrollment that are particularly salient for
female youth.
3) The perception of secondary education expressed by both parents
and youth
4) The potential for interventions to shift households’ and youths’
decisions around secondary school enrollment

4. Methodology
• Qualitative data collection was conducted using focus group
discussions.
A total of 24 FGD were conducted during the study period.
• In each kebele, six FGDs were convened:
1. Parents of children enrolled in school
2. PSNP recipients (who are parents of adolescents)
3. Youth who are enrolled in secondary school
4. Youth from PSNP recipient households
5. Grade 8 Students
6. Primary school teachers

5. Major Findings
Financial barriers to secondary school enrollment
• The residences of rural households are located too far from
secondary schools.
• Secondary schools are generally found in more central kebeles
that include larger towns.
• The costs of accommodation in the school locality are high for
families, in addition to the cost of school uniforms and educational
materials (600 to 1000 birr monthly for basic accommodation).

6. Financial and non-financial barriers
• These financial burdens are particularly acute for:
Households that are PSNP recipients,
Female-headed households,
Households experiencing other adverse shocks such as an
illness affecting the household head
• Non-financial barriers are also relevant, including
Absence of a secure environment and safe route to attend the
school
Drought and lack of access to drinking water

7. Perceptions of secondary education
In general, both parents and youth reported that they placed a
high value on secondary education.
Pursuing this education was associated with a higher
probability of obtaining higher-quality employment and a greater
level of personal success.

8. Challenges for female youth
First-born children and/or sons may have priority in enrollment.
There can be particular concerns on the part of families around
enrollment of girls in secondary school, given the risk that girls living
away from home could be exposed to harassment or insecurity.

9. School quality
Despite positive perceptions of secondary education, participants did
report a number of challenges linked to school quality.
These include outdated buildings, limited equipment, shortages of
textbooks, and shortages of teachers (especially for English and
mathematics).

10. Thank you