The potency of alternative rites of passage in enhancing Girl-Child self esteem and participation in Education: a case of primary schools in Marigat District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the potency of alternative rites of passage in enhancing girl child self esteem and participation in education. The study sought to compare the effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and alternative rites of passage on girl child self esteem and participation in education, determine the attitude of the teachers and learners towards the alternative rites of passage and finally examine the variables of the existing alternative rites of passage curriculum. This study was guided by Coopersmith Self-Esteem theory (1967/1981) and it adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of 132 respondents were involved in this study. The selection of the study sample was done using stratified random sampling, simple random sampling and proportionate sampling. Schools were stratified into educational divisions from which 16 schools out of the total of 45 public schools in Marigat District were selected using proportionate random sampling. To get a specific school to participate in this study, simple random sampling was used. The respondents of this study included teachers and pupils from the selected schools, who were selected through simple random sampling. Questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis were used to collect data. Descriptive statistical techniques such as the means, percentages and standard deviations; and inferential statistics (t-test) were used in analyzing the data using SPSS. This study revealed that the alternative rite of passage enhanced girl child self esteem and participation in education, though some section of the society still considered it as a foreign practice in the society. The variables of the existing alternative rite of passage included gender roles; sex and sexuality; adolescence challenges and how to counter them; life skills and self reliance; Christian moral values; family life issues; economic empowerment; rights of the girl-child; health issues; nutrition, cultural values and career choices. It was also realized that FGM as a rite of passage does not maintain female chastity nor does it increase male sexual pleasure. However, it is still recognized by some members of the society as an important part of identifying with cultural heritage. The study therefore recommended that school administrators, teachers and parents to come up with effective coping mechanisms for both FGM and alternative rites initiates so as to enhance the girl-child participation in education.