An Investigation into the causes of Learner dropouts in two rural secondary schools Fort Beaufort District, Eastern Cape Province: A case study

Abstract

Since the attainment of independence in South Africa after the collapse of apartheid, government has undertaken significant changes in the educational context. The main goal in the National Curriculum Statement required learners to be reflective thinkers, independent, creative and resourceful; however, in contrast many learners in rural secondary schools are continuing to drop out of schools not completing Grade 12. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of learner dropout in rural secondary schools. My objective is to use these findings to determine mechanisms and accountability that should be accepted by schools and the department education to eliminate this problem.