Resources

VIDEO: Using data to reduce dropout

South Africa simply does not have the right types of records (datasets) to measure and monitor school dropout properly. While there are several datasets tracking matric exam results, annual school surveys, and master school lists, this information is only at the ‘aggregate’ level, not at the level of individual learners. Learner-level information could help us […]

How can we support our teachers to prevent dropout? Here’s what we’ve learnt.

There are numerous inspiring stories of educators making profound contributions in their student’s lives, despite working in difficult circumstances. In the book, Great South African Teachers, the authors came up with seven profiles of inspirational teachers based on accounts from former learners. The authors explained that it’s often teachers who go beyond the call of duty in class, and after hours, who are the most inspirational.

Spotlight on our Zero Dropout Champions: The committed teacher

The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us that a teacher plays a multi-layered role in a child’s life, beyond completing the curriculum. Teachers are key role-players in a child’s learning journey, which is why their full buy-in and cooperation are essential in the campaign against dropout. Although many teachers are overwhelmed with work, they are the […]

How has the lockdown affected our learners?

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) recently released concerning statistics about the country’s dropout crisis, worsened by the Covid-19 school closures. On 1 September, officials from DBE told Members of Parliament (MPs) that they are now tracking absenteeism rates at schools to get a better sense of how many learners are likely to drop out.

Bright new ideas to promote literacy

Research shows that reading to children at a young age has a positive effect on their learning. The interaction between adult and child is also important for fostering a supportive, caring relationship. But it’s not always possible for many caregivers and parents to read to their children, because they lack confidence in their own literacy skills.

What does it take to keep learners engaged in school despite challenging circumstances?

Dropout is rarely a single event; it’s a process of disengagement involving different push out and pull out factors in a young person’s home, school or community. We take a look at what our NPO implementing partners are doing to address disengagement and re-engage learners in the schools in which they operate. Caring adult support, […]

Staying connected: Supporting the girl child during lockdown

A school is more than a space for learning; it occupies a multi-faceted role in the life-world of a child. Schools are spaces where children can access key support services, enrichment programmes and meals. Accessing support mechanism outside of the school environment is not easy for disadvantaged communities, particularly in rural areas. But that’s not […]

Spotlight on our Zero Dropout Champions: CAP

Schools are more than simply spaces for learning; it’s where many children access meals, psychosocial support services, and enrichment programmes. These services were cut off for numerous vulnerable learners when classes were suspended at the start of the lockdown. To mitigate the impact of the school closures, the Community Action Programme (CAP) — one of […]

Spotlight on our Zero Dropout Champions: Masibumbane

The Masibumbane Development Organisation (MDO) has adopted the American dropout prevention model of “Check & Connect” (C&C) and adapted aspects to suit the local context of schools in poor communities in East London. MDO works with learners in Grade 6 to Grade 9, and identifies at-risk learners through the C&C criteria at the beginning of the year for inclusion in a mentoring programme.

Why is foundational literacy important in the campaign against school dropout?

The reality is that 78% of children in Grade 4 cannot read for meaning in any language in South Africa. These children are likely to continue lagging behind academically if they don’t get the support they need to stay in and succeed in school.

The cost of the Covid-19 school closures and its impact on children — a new study by RESEP

A research paper from the University of Stellenbosch has recommended all children be allowed to return to schools and Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD) without delay. Schools and ECD centres were closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The decision preceded the commencement of a hard lockdown in March. Academics Servaas van der Berg […]

What can schools do to prevent the spread of Covid-19?

The Standard Operating Procedure for the Prevention, Containment and Management of Covid- 19 in Schools and School Communities provides guidelines for all administrators on the approved steps that must be taken to prevent the spread of, and manage cases of Covid-19 within the basic education sector.

What it’s really like to be at school in South Africa

As a country, we have committed to greater access to education for all children. The importance of early childhood education (the first five years of a child’s life) to improve children’s capacity to learn and thrive is now firmly on the national agenda. Even the significance of prenatal care is making inroads in our attempt […]

Spotlight on our Zero Dropout Champions: Khula

We have partnered with four non-profit organisations (NPOs) to implement dropout prevention strategies at various schools across the country. Our partnerships are focused on identifying and demonstrating what it takes to help learners stay in and succeed at school. The provision of psychosocial and academic support is central to these models of intervention. Khula Development […]

Spotlight on our Zero Dropout Champions: NACCW

Our partnership with the National Association of Childcare Workers (NACCW) aims to prevent dropout by providing school-based services to meet the complex needs of vulnerable adolescents in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The NACCW is an independent non-profit organisation (NPO) providing professional training to promote healthy child and youth development.

Home Education 101

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the impact it’s having on our everyday lives, some parents and caregivers may be seriously considering the option of homeschooling. The reality is that homeschooling is not cut out for everyone, particularly those who don’t have flexible working hours or access to a stable internet connection and digital learning resources.

Reducing dropout begins at home: The importance of parental involvement

We know that parents and caregivers are not always sure how best to support their child’s academic development. This uncertainty may stem from a lack of confidence or hands-on experience in dealing with teachers and school administrators. The reality is that parental involvement is important to ensure they get the support they need to finish […]

Tips for parents and caregivers on how to support their child’s learning journey

Your child has a right to quality basic education, no matter what school they go to and whether you are paying school fees or not. It’s important to remember that if you are worried that your child is not getting the support they should be getting from their school, you have the right to ask questions and propose solutions.

Five things NGOs can try in the school space

As the Zero Dropout Campaign, we know that tackling the socioeconomic drivers of dropout requires policy change and political commitment that can take a long time. But there are steps we can implement now to ensure learners get the support they need to complete their schooling. The first thing to remember is that dropout is […]

What if your school doesn’t offer classes beyond Grade 9?

Imagine that you are learner living in a rural village in South Africa. You dream of becoming a doctor or a lawyer, and moving to the city. Before you can do all that, you must first complete high school. You wake up each morning at the crack of dawn to prepare for a long walk […]