DODOMA, June 20 -- RAMPANT absenteeism and increasing incidents of child abuse are undermining education in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, with many children dropping out of school to engage in income-generating activities, local officials have warned.

Speaking at the Day of the African Child commemorations at Mloda Village, Ward Education Officer Amani Munna expressed concern over the high dropout rate.

“We enrol many pupils, but only a fraction complete primary school. One-third drop out by Standard Two, Three, Four or Six. Parents must ensure their children stay in school,” he urged.

Despite the governments fee free education policy, some parents neglect responsibilities like paying for school meals or buying uniforms...