Factors that influence Muslim girl students to enroll in university education with special reference to university of Peradeniya

Abstract

Education is the platform for the betterment of any society. As a citizen of Sri Lanka, we are receiving free education since 1945 and this is free for all ethnic groups in our country without any discrimination. Sri Lankans receive education under the free education system. Though education is free, in the earlier periods, most of the Muslims did not continue their higher education. At present, a notable number of students enroll in universities. This study attempts to find out the factors that push Muslim girls to continue their university education. This study was conducted at University of Peradeniya using the interview method and observation. It used 35 undergraduate Muslim girl students as samples at the Faculty of Arts, the University of Peradeniya who were selected through purposive sampling technique. This study found that socio-economic background and personal interest push Muslim girls to continue their higher education. The majority of them are receiving Mahapola Scholarship and it shows their family economic condition. Their personal interest and self respect in marital life are personal factors that motivate them to get higher education. The study reveals that socially they have been pushed by family background, school support, social respect, and the nature of society. Getting a job, poverty, institutional supports, welfare system of Islamic society are economic factors that push them to enroll in university education. The study concludes that the above factors influence Muslim girl students’ higher education. This free education system helps these girls to uplift their whole life and social status. Muslim girls have realized that education and work can give a better life to them.