Zero Dropout Campaign

A national campaign focused on halving the rate of school dropout by 2030

The Zero Dropout Campaign wants to change the perception that school dropout is a normal occurrence by demonstrating what it takes to help learners complete Grade 12. Despite South Africa’s large investment in basic education, around 40% of learners who start school in Grade 1 will exit the schooling system before finishing matric. Many will remain stuck in poverty and unemployment for life. As a knowledge hub, we’ve collaborated with a number of non-profit organisations (NPOs) to test models of intervention to prevent dropout. Read more

Reading for Meaning Programme
Reading for Meaning is an accelerated catch-up programme for learners using Pratham’s principle of Teaching at the Right Level. This approach focuses on a child’s learning needs rather than their age or what grade they’re in.
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Advocacy Focus Areas

Using data to reduce dropout

Using data to
reduce dropout

Our education system would benefit hugely from collecting accurate, detailed and regular information about schools and learners.
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Why school culture matters

Why school
culture matters

School culture in which there is bullying or physical punishment, or teachers are absent from class, can push learners away from school.
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Anti-dropout strategies

Dropout prevention
strategies

Some learners stay in and do well at school, despite challenging circumstances. Why?
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Publications

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