The Effect & Menace of School Dropouts in the Society

INTRODUCTION - DEFINITION OF TERMS

School dropout

•      According to answers.com (© 2010 Write Brothers Inc.)

            drop·out (drŏp'out')

–     One who quits school

–     One who has withdrawn from a given social group or environment.

•      According to http://www.yourdictionary.com

–     dropout: person who leaves a program, esp. school, before completion; one who lives by norms alien to society.

•      Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010

–     "one who drops out; specif., a person who withdraws from school, esp. high school, before graduating."

–     failing student, truant, quitter, maverick; see failure 2, hippie, nonconformist, quitter.

•      According to the U.S Govt: 

–     the term common school dropout includes all students who leave school for reasons other than a lawfully imposed expulsion, including the period of time a student is subject to a lawfully imposed suspension.

Menace

•      According to thefreedictionary.com

–     A possible danger, a threat

–     Something that threatens to cause evil , harm, injury, etc

INTRODUCTION – DROPOUT RATES

•      Each year, hundreds of thousands of young adults leave school without successfully completing a high school programme. As these numbers accumulate year by year, they mount into the millions. “In October 1998, there were 3.9 million 16 – 24 year olds who were not enrolled in a high school programme, and had not completed high school” – a figure that represents 11.8% of the total population in this age group (Dropout rates in the United States: 1998)

•      In 2008, over 8 million Nigerian children are out of school

WHY DISCUSS THIS TOPIC?

•      Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another. [G. K. Chesterson]

•      Instruction ends in the school-room, but education ends only with life. [Frederick W. Robertson]

•      Education make a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive: easy to govern, but impossible to enslave. [Peter Brougham]

EARLY SYMPTOMS OF SCHOOL DROPOUT

•      Absebteeism - Absenteeism is major and continuous administrative problem among secondary school students in developing countries. Since the problem is to 70% student home based, there is need for the student/parent to help identify and proffer solutions to this quality disturbing problems that could lead to students’ dropout from school.

•      Lateness - Lateness is common among female students than male students. This is as a result of their involvement in domestic activities by their parents. Distance to school, school discipline, family background and school location are among causes of lateness among secondary school students (Emore 2005).

WHY DO STUDENTS DROPOUT OF SCHOOL? (I)

- What people say –

1.     Student retention

2.     Poverty

3.     Ethnicity and changing family structures

4.     Limited English language proficiency

5.     Geographic location and movement within the country

6.     Teenage sex and Pregnancy

7.     Peer pressure and Drugs

8.     Violence and Crime

Prov 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

WHY DO STUDENTS DROPOUT OF SCHOOL? (II)

- What dropouts say –

•      School-related

–     Did not like school

–     Could not get along with teachers

–     Could not get along with students

–     Was suspended too often

–     Did not feel safe at school

–     Was expelled

–     Felt I didn’t belong

–     Could not keep up with school work

–     Was failing at school

–     Changed school; didn’t like the new one

•      Job-related

–     Couldn’t work and go to school at the same time

–     Had to get a job

–     Found a job

•      Family related

–     Had to support family

–     Wanted to have family

–     Got pregnant

–     Became parent

–     Got married

–     Had to care for family member

•      Others

–     Wanted to travel

–     Friends droppedout

The way out

- Biblical perspective -

3 Ds to academic excellence

Diligence

Discipline

Determination

DILIGENCE - Persistent effort: persistent and hard-working effort in doing something

1.  The Story of Elijah and Elisha - 2 Kings 2:1-15

–     Elisha accompanies Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho to the Jordan River. At each place the sons of the prophets say to Elisha, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep silent!” 2 Kings 2:3, 5. At each place, Elijah says to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” 2 Kings 2:4, 6.

•      Hebrews 11:6, Prov. 10:5, Prov  13:4, Prov 18:9

•      2 Tim 2:15 – “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

•      Eccl. 9:10 – “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…

2. The Story of Elisha and King Joash of Israel - 2 Kings 13:14-20

–     First, King Joash is to shoot his arrows out the window eastward, toward Israelite cities that had been conquered by the Syrians.

–     Second, King Joash was to strike the ground with the arrows he held in his hand.

•      1 Corint 9:24 – “Know ye not that they which run in a race

            run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye

            may obtain.”

•      Luke 2:52, Luke 16:10, Acts 20:35, Collos 3:23

DISCIPLINE - calm controlled behavior: the ability to behave in a controlled and calm way even in a difficult or stressful situation

•      Samuel showed discipline despite the fact that he did not have the best of teachers.

–     1 Sam 2:12 – “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

–     1 Sam 3:6 – “And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.”

–     1 Sam 3:16 – “Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.”

Prov 3:11-12 (NIV) My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves…”

DISCIPLINE - calm controlled behavior: the ability to behave in a controlled and calm way even in a difficult or stressful situation

•      Samuel showed discipline despite the fact that he did not have the best of teachers.

–     1 Sam 2:12 – “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

–     1 Sam 3:6 – “And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.”

–     1 Sam 3:16 – “Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.”

–     Prov 3:11-12 (NIV) My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves…”

•      Joseph showed discipline in the house of his master, Potiphar.

–     Gen. 39:4-10 – “¹⁰And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Quotes:

"The first and best victory is to conquer self.“ [Plato, Greek Philosopher]

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.“ [H. Jackson Brown, Jr., Author]

Determination - firmness of purpose: firmness of purpose, will, or intention

•      Jacob had a goal; he was determined to achieve it, and he did.

–     Gen. 29:10 “And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his …”

–     Gen. 29:18-28 - “And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter…”

Quotes:

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. [Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of States]

•      God promised to bless Jacob, yet he had to show determination to bring those blessings to pass

–     Gen. 28:11-15 – “…for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

–     Gen. 32:24-29 – “…and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day… And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me… Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Quote:

“An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men.” [Thomas Fuller, English clergyman]

CONCLUSION

•      Education is not the key to success (Prov 18:16 – “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”)

•      Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man's training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly. [Thomas H. Huxley]

•      James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom…”

•      Psalms 84:11-12 – “…no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

Thank you. 

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This paper was presented by Lanre Sonubi at the formal launching of Winners Baptist Church Education Foundation on Sunday, September 4,2011 

Quality Education in the Midst of Poverty – the Church as a Catalyst

  

INTRODUCTION

—  Gen 1^26-28 “And God said let us make man in our own image and after our likeness 

—  Prior to the creation of man, God has created all things and discovered that they were all beautiful but has no coordinator; He therefore created man.

—  In discussing this topic thoroughly and to avoid misconceptions. Lets define…

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN? 

·        He is a follower of Christ, a person who believes and practices the tenets of Christian faith. The Church is the body of Christ and not the building we see around.

·        Education on the other hand, as defined by Longman dictionary of contemporary English is the process by which your mind develops through learning at School College or university; it is also the knowledge or skill gained from being taught.

·        1 Peter 2⁹ – “but ye are chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…

CHRISTIANITY – EDUCATION

—  Christianity and education is synonymous to physical, spiritual, economic, human and emotional development. Christian religious education in Nigeria began with the advent of missionaries and mission agents in mid 1800’s. Prior to this time, communities had different traditional system of education i.e. Islamic religion, traditional religion etc. All these aimed at developing human mental capacity and orientation.

—  2 Tim 2¹⁵ – “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing (rightly handling and skillfully teaching) the word of truth. Ephesians 5^{15 - 17} buttressed it.   Churches should emphasize through sermons, programs and symposiums the importance of education to our youths by way of:

—  Emphasizing and encouraging innovative ideas, monitoring reform, efforts and human capacity building.

—  Structuring classes to the best advantage of our students, paying particular attention to truancy and punctuality in schools.

—  Honoring teachers as role models for young people. The gift of a man will make room for him. (Prov 18¹⁶) and bring him before great men.

—  Churches should initiate programs in cooperation with schools to provide after school and vacation programs and emphasizing good reading habits.

—  Providing parenting classes to emphasize the special responsibilities of parents to their children.

—  3 John 2 – “says that God wish above all things that thou mayest proper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth. Therefore every man needs to strive in life for mastery to fulfill God’s mandate on earth” Roman 9^15-17  God raised you to showcase himself.

—  Prov 10 ⁴ – “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, the hand of the diligent make rich.

—  Matt 10 ¹⁰ – The thief cometh not but to steal, kill and destroy

THE CHURCH – CHRISTIANITY – EDUCATION

—  The church as a body of Christ needs to manifest the power of God through the educative knowledge acquired spiritually and physically so as to enable them aware of their dignity and position, to take part in social economic and political system that is presently corrupted. The remarkable feet attained by technological development and scientific investigation and the new wave in telecommunication offer greater opportunity for our youths and young graduates who will key in into the vision – “My people perish for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4⁶     Isaiah 5 ³

—  Major duties of both parents are to train their children in the way of God Ps 127^3-5 Love their children – Titus 2⁴, discipline and educate their children. 1Tim5⁸ if any provide not for his household, He has denied the faith and is worse than infidel.

—  An untrained child is a product of tomorrow’s degradation, poverty and doom – it is the training we get in school that shapes our lives and the nation as a whole.  Broad base access to good quality basic education is the foundation for broad base maternal mortality and democratic citizenship. Prov 22 ⁶  - Train up a child in the way he should go… Job 1^3-4 – Job cares for his children… Gen 18¹⁹ – Abraham trained his children in the way they should go… 1 Sam4^1-11  - Prophet Eli did not, and it brought him shame and death… 1 Chro 12³² – The children of Isaachar had understanding of the time

OBVIOUS TRUTH ABOUT THE ESSENCE OF YOUTH EDUCATION

—  Economic Growth – It is a catalyst for high production and growth.

—  Income distribution – Educational opportunities is associated with income distribution.

—  Individual earning – High returns on investment

—  Child Mortality – Education reduces infant mortality, increases better health and nutrition.

—  Note:  Discrimination in labour market based on gender can negate the equalizing effects on education.

PURPOSE AND VISION FOR LIFE

—  Vision is an innate ability to see from a particular position, the idea formed in your imagination. Destiny is not a matter of chance or happenstance; it’s a matter of choice – As a man thinketh in his heart so is he Prov 23⁷

—  Job 32⁸ – There is a spirit in man, the inspiration of the almighty giveth understanding. Prov 8 ^14-15

—  The iron law of sowing and reaping ... Whatsoever a man sows, he reaps – Life is a journey unless you define your destination the odds of getting lost may be high. Gal 6⁷ – Be not deceived, God is not mocked…

—  The mind is the most creative tool from God; we create our realities in our minds and sub-consciousness. Nobody will profess to fail. How we use our mind determines the kind of results we get Col 2³  Col 2 ¹⁰  - We are complete in Christ…

—  Some believe “Qui Sera-sera - what will be will be” what your minds do not concur, you do not recur. Great youths in the house, heir apparent in the house, kingdom champions and world leaders of tomorrow what is our mind picturing?

STEPS TO TAKE

1.     Step out in faith – Dreams without action = nightmare. Go and write your GCE, JAMB or reseat if need be. The journey of 1000 years starts in a day.

2.     You must play your part – parents/Youth faith without work to your destiny = Death James 2²⁶

3.     Start from where you are – start somewhere, start now, the greatest harm you will do yourself is not to act today and look back with regret tomorrow. Don’t wait for a perfect time, such time does not exist. The only thing that starts from the top is grave.

4.     Don’t Give Up – Thomas Edison made 99 attempts before electricity was invented. Remember Abraham Lincoln former US president.  He contested   severally before becoming the best president in America.

5.     Great things start  small – It is not how far but how well the end result counts

6.     You deserve to succeed in life – Some people pray, for those around them to be successful so that they can help them – why not you? You are born to soar not to demean. Phil 4¹³ “I can do all things through Christ… You are an eagle; not a chicken or duck [Isa 40^29-31]

7.     Don’t be a wishful thinker – If all wishes were horses, even beggars will ride. Some people boast of what they will achieve but are not ready to offer greater sacrifices? How can that be?

8.     Make your life to count for something – Many people live and die without any meaningful contribution and their memory live for a short while. What about you? What are you living for? What will you be remembered for? What note worthy contribution are you going to make in your life time?

CONCLUSION

—  Remember Methuselah? Lived 969 yrs grandfather of Noah [Gen 5 ⁷]

—  Martin Luther King lived for 40 years and left a remarkable record

—  Jesus lived for 33 years; yet his name remains relevant throughout humanity; today and till eternity

—  Stop thinking of what others can do for you, think of what you can do for others – this is the secret of greatness in life. Titus 2⁷ – In all things showing thyself  a pattern of good works

—  Promise yourself that you will live, die and to be remembered for something good. Paul & Nero

—  Promise yourself that you won’t just live to make a profit but to make a point.

—  The world is waiting for your manifestation [Rom 8¹⁹]– Don’t dash their expectation. Your destiny is in your hands.

Thanks for your kind attention

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This paper was presented by Mayor Abaoyomi Ireyomi at the formal launching of Winners Baptist Church Education Foundation on Sunday, September 4,2011