It is vital that we approach the issue of school dropout with openness and curiosity, paying attention not only to what the research says but to the lived experience of those in our education sector.  There are many stereotypes and preconceptions surrounding school dropout, such as “children drop out of school because they are lazy” […]

What can you do if you find yourself without a matric certificate and struggling to find employment? We looked at three scenarios and potential pathways that a young person in such a position could consider.

Getting to the end of your schooling career and finishing your matric exams can be both rewarding and exciting. As things stand, the National Senior Certificate (NSC) is the only widely recognised school-level qualification in South Africa. Completing matric unlocks opportunities for further study or employment. But it’s no secret that learners in South Africa […]

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has released new statistics on underage pregnancies, which shows a rise in deliveries since 2017. In Parliament this week, DBE officials announced that one in three girls between 10 and 19 years leave school after becoming pregnant.

Despite our success in enrolling children in primary school, we struggle to keep them in school until matric. With so much attention on annual matric pass rates, this major failure of our education system is often hidden. And although we may not recognise it, school dropout affects us all. Dropout is a process of disengagement […]

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.

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.

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.

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 […]

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.