Write an article for publication in your school magazine, discussing the reasons children in your area drop out of school and suggesting ways of minimizing ...

Answer Details

Model answer: magazine article

WHY OUR CHILDREN LEAVE SCHOOL, AND HOW TO STOP IT

By a Concerned Student

It is a painful sight in our area to see young children who ought to be in classrooms hawking wares by the roadside or loitering about the streets. School drop-out has become common among us, and it is time we asked why, and what can be done to reverse this sad trend.

There are several reasons for it. Foremost is poverty; many parents simply cannot afford fees, books and uniforms, and so their children are withdrawn from school. Secondly, some parents are ignorant of the value of education and prefer to send their children to trade or farm for quick money. Thirdly, early marriage and teenage pregnancy force many girls to abandon their studies. Poor school facilities and the long distance to school also discourage some pupils.

Happily, the trend can be minimized. Government and well-meaning individuals should make basic education free and provide scholarships and free books for the needy. Parents should be enlightened, through community meetings and the media, on the lasting benefits of education. Schools should be built closer to communities and made more attractive and welcoming. In addition, laws against child labour and early marriage should be enforced.

Education is the surest path out of poverty. If we all play our part, no child in our area need drop out of school, and our community will be the better for it.

Key features expected: title and by-line; clear reasons for drop-out; practical ways of reducing it; suitable magazine style; orderly paragraphs.