INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF THE RITES OF INITIATION ON ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS: THE CASE OF ALTA ZAMBÉZIA
Abstract
This article results from a study carried out with the aim of investigating the impact of the rites of initiation on access to education and training of children and teenagers, particularly girls. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying the lessons from the initiation rites, the way the lessons are taught and verify its influence in the girls' access to school and continuity. The study took place in five districts of the Zambézia Province, namely, Alto Molócuè, Guruè, Gilé, Ile and Namarrói; in each district was selected one locality by convenience. As an ethnographic study, qualitative interviews were administrated with key informants, and an observation schedule applied. The results of the study suggest that there is no direct influence from the rites of initiation in boys’ and girls’ access to education even though the problems related to pupils schools attendance and retention persist. The study recommends the improvement of the coordination between the educational and local authority to revert the scenario characterized by low assiduity and school drop out by the pupils.
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