School culture in which there is bullying or physical punishment, or teachers are absent from class, can push learners away from school. To add to this, many South African school buildings are poorly maintained, under-resourced, and inadequately serviced. Vandalism, litter, overcrowded classrooms, or classrooms with missing doors and windows, can make school an unpleasant, even dangerous space to be in. On the other hand, well-run and maintained schools can greatly improve children’s chances of success, even if they are disadvantaged by their home environments. Ideal schools should be sanctuaries of learning, curiosity, stimulation and safety; in which teachers are skilled, motivated and supported. Just like in the home, having caring, attentive adults at school can help struggling or vulnerable learners push on with their schooling.
What comes to mind when you think about youth activism? Perhaps it conjures iconic images of the 1976 Soweto Uprising or the removal of a statue of Cecil John Rhodes that stood undisturbed on the grounds of the University of Cape Town (UCT) until protests erupted in 2015. How can the energy and vibrancy of our youth be effectively channelled to decrease the rate of school dropout? We take a look at five lessons from youth led-strategies past and present.
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 […]
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