Influence of School Dropout Students on Community Developmentof Manghopir Town, Karachi

Abstract

School dropout remains a critical challenge in Pakistan, with profound implications for both individual life trajectories and broader community development. This study examines the influence of school dropout students on the socio-economic and cultural development of Manghopir Town, District West Karachi—a locality marked by poverty, ethnic diversity, and limited access to quality education. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather quantitative data from participants. Quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires were examined using SPSS 27. The findings reveal that high dropout rates contribute to reduced human capital, increased child labor, and limited employment opportunities, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and social exclusion. Moreover, dropout students are more vulnerable to involvement in informal labor markets and, in some cases, delinquent activities, which weakens social cohesion and undermines community resilience. The study also highlights structural factors such as inadequate school infrastructure, teacher absenteeism, and socio-cultural barriers—including gender discrimination and early marriages—that exacerbate dropout trends. By situating these dynamics within the specific context of Manghopir Town, the research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including improved school governance, community-based awareness programs, and social protection measures to reduce dropout rates. Ultimately, the study argues that addressing school dropout is not only an educational imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable community development in marginalized urban areas of Karachi.