Determinants of disparities in primary school enrolment in South Sudan

Abstract

Despite the consensus on the vital role of human capital investment towards a country's socio-economic development, school enrolment levels in South Sudan remain dismal with no empirical study conducted to unravel the same. Using the 2016 South Sudan Frequency Survey data, this study sought to unravel the determinants of primary school enrolment in South Sudan with a central focus on the role of the community characteristics. The study also aimed at exploring the disparities in primary school enrolment along the gender and employment perspective lens. The probit model findings revealed that the more time is taken in accessing a primary school, hospital, or food outlet facilities, the lower the probability of a child enrolling in school. School enrolment levels were found to be highest in the Central Equatoria state but lowest in the Lakes state. Furthermore, wide employment and gender differentials in school enrolment rates exist with boys being accorded more preferences than girls. Gender sensitization at the household, community, and state levels as well as the subsidization of primary education are vital in incentivizing parents to enroll their children in school. Similarly, high investment in better infrastructural facilities would ensure schools, hospitals, and water sources are within the reach of school-going children.