Fathia Mohammed Osman 2008. The situation of basic education in nomadic societies from gender perspective: A case study of nomads in Kapkabia Locality.

AbuBaker, Hwiada

Fathia Mohammed Osman 2008. The situation of basic education in nomadic societies from gender perspective: A case study of nomads in Kapkabia Locality. Supervised by Amna Mohamed Badri

This study was conducted in Kapkabia Locality, a small part of North Darfur State in Western Sudan. The aim of the study to investigate the reasons behind the unsatisfactory situation of basic education in nomadic societies from a gender perspective and to identify the challenges that hinder children, especially girls to access basic education. The researcher applied two methods to describe and explain these challenges. Primary data were collected from the field using questionnaire to provide quantitative data and interviews for collecting qualitative data from the heads of the households, teachers and out-of school girls. The secondary data was collected from General Ministry of Education Statistic and Planning Department and Nomadic Education Department in North Darfur State. Other information collected from books, magazines, reports- mainly from a UNICEF - document and previous researches which consulted for the literature review and used for constructing the background information and conceptual framework. The findings of the study show that the educational performance is generally poor with respect to enrollment and retention. Both boys and girls of school age are disadvantaged, but for girls, the situation is not promising. The main reasons are identified to be: The co-education system, early marriage and unequal division of domestic activities. These reasons lessened the opportunities for nomadic children completing basic education. Finally, this study introduces some suggestions, which may help to improve the access to basic education for nomadic children and accelerate girls' education.