The determinants of learner dropout in Kavango West region rural primary schools

Abstract

The research aimed to explore the determinants of dropout among primary school learners in rural schools and the strategies that could be applied to retain learners in school until they complete secondary school. The study employed a qualitative research approach and data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and observations. A purposive sampling method was used to select twenty participants for the study, which included learners, parents, guardians, Life Skills teachers, and principals. The study found that family, community, school, and system factors had a huge impact on dropout rates among primary school learners in rural areas. The study further found that more male learners lacked motivation and had dropped out of school at an early age than female learners. The study discovered that there were very few senior primary schools in the circuit that implicated learners’ primary education completion. This study recommended collaboration among stakeholders to address the factors contributing to primary school dropout rates among rural learners.