The Case of Out-of-School Children in the Eastern Caribbean: Present and Potential Exclusion

• In Event: 58.083 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 58.083-19 - Learning in Nontraditional Spaces

Abstract

This paper is based on a study of the situation of out-of-school children in the Eastern Caribbean. The study employed a quantitative exploratory design, using both administrative educational data and population data to develop profiles on children out-of-school. Seven Eastern Caribbean countries participated in the study. The results revealed that present exclusion is relatively non-existent, but highlighted an emerging problem with potential exclusion beginning at the lower secondary levels and aggravating at the upper secondary levels. Drop out was found to be an issue both at the beginning and end of lower secondary education. One (1) out of every four (4) students was found to be experiencing obstacles to graduating. Attrition impacted male students more so than female students.

Author

• Verna Charleen Knight, The University of the West Indies