One in three children leave school due to pregnancy and academic challenges.  

These factors contribute to a national crisis, exacerbated by SA’s high unemployment rate, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24, who represent nearly two-thirds of the country’s unemployed population.

The Zero Dropout campaign surveyed individuals from 50 of SA’s 52 municipal districts, offering a broad and insightful perspective on the state of education in the country.  

Communication Lead for the campaign, Collin Wardle, discussed the findings, which showed that pregnancy was the leading cause of school dropout, accounting for 14% of cases.

Alongside pregnancy, academic struggles emerged as a significant barrier, underlining the urgent need for accelerated learning and catch-up programmes. Bullying and harassment were also identified as key factors contributing to dropouts, with a clear call for increased psychosocial support to protect students’ mental health and wellbeing.

Financial hardship and substance abuse were additional challenges faced by students, pointing to systemic issues that require a multi-faceted approach, involving various government departments and community stakeholders.

In addressing these issues, Wardle emphasised the importance of real-time data collection to monitor student progress from early education stages. By tracking learners throughout their schooling, authorities can intervene more promptly and ensure timely support.

A major concern raised was the impact of pregnancy on young girls, many of whom face significant barriers to returning to school, including childcare responsibilities, stigma, and bullying. While the Department of Basic Education has policies in place to support pregnant learners, the implementation of these policies often falls short due to resource constraints.

--ChannelAfrica--