School drop-outs remain one of the biggest concerns worldwide. The consequences of this, and the challenges relating to it, can have a serious impact on communities generally. There are different reasons for youth leaving school early, among them financial challenges.
Some of the learners come from disadvantaged families, where they cannot afford the tuition, uniforms, stationery and transportation. Therefore, learners may be forced to drop out of school and look for a job to help support their families.
The learner’s social background, the environment he or she is from can also have a huge influence on continuing secondary education, especially in remote areas with limited resources or where the legal guardian has passed away and the eldest sibling suddenly has to take care of his or her siblings.
Other school leavers come from communities where education is not really as valued as a job or source of income. Such social ills can make it difficult for people to achieve their full potential.
But the reality is, education is open to all, with many government schools functioning as a no-fee school to accommodate those learners whose parents simply cannot afford to pay school fees. The Western Cape government even provides free transport for students and learners to school.
Nevertheless, many still leave before completing their studies. According to WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond the department does not actively track or report on learner “drop-outs” as there are multiple reasons for young people leaving the school system.
Schools do, however, follow-up on learner absenteeism on a regular basis, but the lack of parental support in some communities makes this a very difficult task, she said.
For those wishing to continue their education after hours NSFAS bursaries are available to students wanting to attend colleges and universities, while a lot of companies offer in-house training, paid internships or bursaries for promising learners to pursue further studies limited to certain conditions.
The West Coast region, which has always had its small-town charm, offers great opportunities for youth in terms of skills development, with its many industries and farms.
Students who want the backing of an academic qualification before going on the job hunt have access to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college on their doorstep, offering a range of programmes to explore different career options or interest, even for those who have dropped out of high school. The college offers National Certificate (Vocational) or NCV programmes as well as Semester and Occupational programmes. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills that can help open many doors to success. That said, the college is also experiencing a high student drop-out rate. The opportunities available in the area end up being grabbed by students who were not born on the West Coast.
The reality remains that most locals are either unskilled or do not qualify for better opportunities. High levels of school drop-outs has a direct impact on the region’s social and economic progression as it can lead to a higher crime rate and substance abuse.
School drop out is the root of many disorders relating to the youth upbringing. These days there are young people living in the street under the influence of drugs. Some end up getting involved in illegal activities, trying to make a living and ultimately end up in jail.
An increase in unemployment in the country at large is the result of this. This issue needs to be addressed and taken into consideration by the officials before we lose our nation.
. Lungisile Ntshangase is a lecturer at West Coast College.
