The Effects of Child Domestic Labor on Girls’ Education Focus on Primary School Evening Program in Jimma Town

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the effects of child domestic labor on education of girls’ attending primary schools evening program in Jimma town. The study employed descriptive survey method. Girls attending primary schools evening program, teachers, directors, and school records were used as sources of data. Simple random, stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. Questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions were the main tools of data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage coupled with descriptive statements and narration for qualitative data. The study found out poor family conditions, lack of awareness and attitudes toward girls’ on the parts of the parents and employers had pushed girls’ to join the pool of domestic labor at too early in their age. Besides, the exploitative interests of most employers’ and lack of effective law enforcement to protect the legal educational rights of girls had also contributed for the exploitation of girls’ in domestic labor. Further, child domestic labor was found to be an impediment to girls’ successful primary school completion in evening program. Moreover, school based supportive services offered to girls’ in domestic labor were found to be very low. In conclusion, the effects of child domestic labor on the education of girls’ attending primary schools evening program in Jimma town found to be; low rate of school attendance explained in terms of high frequency of late-coming, absenteeism and dropout, lack of active participation in classroom activities, lack of doing homework, low academic achievement with greater emphasis on grade promotion and lack of opportunity to participate in diverse co-curricular activities to enrich their academic experiences. The study recommended; education for attitudinal change and mobilization of the society, effective law enforcement, strengthening school based support and joint work with non-governmental organizations to tackle child domestic labor and to enhance the education of girls attending primary school evening program in Jimma town.

Keywords: Child Work/Child labor / Domestic labor/