Northern Cape reports almost 10 000 school dropouts

The Northern Cape’s Department of Education has lost 9 400 school dropouts, the report was revealed by its spokesperson Geoffery van de Merwe.

NORTHERN CAPE: 9 400 SCHOOL DROPOUTS

The update says this number covers learners who did not report to school or could possibly be receiving homeschooling. The province’s education officials nevertheless feel majorly concerned by the numbers.

With a total of 200 000 pupils who registered this year, nearly 10 000 have not been making their way to class.

“We are very concerned about the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the future of our learners,” van de Merwe said to SABC News.

Teen pregnancy has also been noted as a related cause to the high levels of learners who left the education system.

“Another contributing factor is the high levels of teenage pregnancies that exist between the ages of 10 and 19 years in the province.

“There was also an increase in pressures to complete the curriculum at schools and all these factors have contributed to the early dropout of learners at schools in the Northern Cape.”

According to the department, learners are afforded all the necessary support to remain in the system. It is therefore somewhat of a mystery to read such a high number of school dropouts in the Northern Cape.

“Department is doing all that we can to ensure that there’s no reason why learners shouldn’t attend school. We provide them with learner transport. We, as a national school nutrition program in schools, provide sanitary towels and even COVID-19 essentials.”

THE SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS

According to Unicef, efforts to nab the scrooge require multi-sectoral engagement. The responsibility needs to be shared between the department, society, and households.

“So it really requires a multi-sectoral engagement. The communities have to be involved in this, families have to be involved in this. Addressing issues like mental health and psychosocial support for both teachers and learners is actually critical for addressing dropout and for addressing quality education and make ensure that the school environment is friendly and caring,” Unicef SA Deputy Representative Muriel Mafico said.

Meanwhile, learners and parents are reminded that Northern Cape school dropouts still have an opportunity to re-enter the system in 2022.

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