The Spatial Distribution of the Basic Education Schools in Lattakia City (Syria)

Abstract

The main aim of the study is to detect the spatial degree of inequality and adequacies in the provision of first and second stage of basic education schools between different wards of Lattakia city, with respect to the population they serve. Secondary data were used for this study sourced from the inventory of the Educational Direction and the Direction of Statistic of Lattakia. Statistical techniques were employed to analyze data such as Mean deviation, Locational Quotient, Lorenz Curve and Ratio Schools/pop. The findings of the study indicated that the population and number of schools are not equidistributed. This revealed the existing of gaps in access to this facility between wards with some wards experiencing glut and concentration while other suffering lack and have no adequate access to this facility: for both F.S. and S.S. schools, L.Q. value varies from 0 to 2.6, and from 1.94 to 0.6 for S.S; Ratio population/schools varies from 1:2971.7 to 1:16776, and from 1:50329 to 1:5057. Lorenz Curve indicate that about 50 % of schools are enjoined by about 50 % for F.S. schools and 60% for S.S. schools. The study concluded that there was a need for intervention of planners and government in the provision of basic schools in deficient wards to enhance human development.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2017.v7n1p71