Girl child education and enrollment drive: The role of traditional music and dance

The study is set out from an intervention perspective using music and dance as a vehicle for enhancing the enrollment drive and retention of girls in basic schools. It was a qualitative research under the auspices of “Ghana Wins” project that involved pupils, parents and teachers of New Winneba Municipal Assembly Primary and Junior High School to deepen their understanding on how Music and Dance has the potency of attracting children to school. Through the concept of interculturalism in music the study highlights the challenges of girl-child education in Ghana and documents the needed information, materials and guides that may help teachers in basic schools to intercede appropriately. Data were sourced by interview and participant observation. Findings of the paper provide assistance for both specialist and non-specialist music teachers at the basic level to integrate their lessons with Music and Dance for optimum sustenance of interest in school among pupils.

Key words: Music, dance, New Winneba, enrollment, Ghana Wins, interculturalism, girl child.