Abu Dhabi: A study on the reasons for the high dropout rate of grade 12 at Adult Education Centres in Abu Dhabi has blamed various economic and social factors in addition to educational reasons.

The study prepared by Thuraya Khalifa Al Salmi, employee at the Abu Dhabi Education Council, was submitted as a dissertation in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters Degree of Education at Al Hosn University.

The study showed that 51 per cent of the total number of students at the Adult Education Centres in Abu Dhabi dropped out. The study also showed that social reasons accounted for 42 per cent of the total dropouts while economic reasons accounted for 30 per cent followed by educational reasons which accounted for nearly 28 per cent of all dropouts.

Big problem

The study pointed out that the drop-out issue is a big problem that faces the education system in the UAE, especially in the adult education centres. This issue contradicts the strategy of the UAE government of 2010-2011 which emphasised that "developing a high-level educational system" is one of the main targets of the UAE strategy, through decreasing the dropout averages.

The dropout issue is a common problem in all adult learning centres in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

A survey conducted by Abu Dhabi Educational Zone, shows that dropout rates among adult nationals of grade 12 are extremely high and steadily increasing, noted the study.

It also said that family situations often affect a student's decision to drop out because family responsibilities or a negative learning environment prevent regular study time or attendance in classes.

No support

A family that does not support positive study skills and has no respect for learning would stand in the way of the student's wishes.

"Problems in the home such as divorce, lack of supervision or child care, noise from children, or available technology, such as an available computer and internet connection, can negatively affect the success and retention of students in school," said the study.

Looking generally at the economic reasons, the study said that economic situations have great effects on dropout rates, especially in developing countries where working times interfere with studying hours, in addition to the lack of incentives.