Management of Learners’ Dropout in High Schools in Lulekani Circuit of Mopani East District

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate how principals, school governing bodies, and teachers identify and manage high school learners’ dropout rates in Lulekani Circuit of Mopani East District. Learners’ dropouts carry extensive implications for both an individual's personal life and the wider society, affecting economic prospects, social mobility, and overall welfare. It is essential to manage the causes of learners’ dropout and implement supportive measures for learners at risk to alleviate the disadvantages linked with learners’ dropping out. Various factors influencing learners' decisions to terminate their education were explored, with an emphasis on identifying key challenges and circumstances leading to high dropout rates in the target population. The study was framed by the interpretive paradigm underpinned by the Six Sigma Theory of Monojit Pal. This study employed a qualitative case study design. It utilised interviews and personal observation as methods of data collection. The target population comprised school principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members, and teachers. Four high schools from the Lulekani Circuit were conveniently selected to comprise a sample from which data was collected. Data were analysed thematically. This involved transcribing interviews, reviewing, identifying, and coding recurring themes within the data for each participant. The findings of this study, among others, are that learners’ dropout is a stakeholder problem. The dropout problem stems from the social ills due to peer pressure, socioeconomic factors of the family, and the inability of learners to pass grades. This study, among others, recommends that the role of the school’s stakeholders is crucial to address the problem since it manifests because of the family setting, school environment, and lack of role models in the community.