Interventions aimed at improving learner retention are being implemented in 64 secondary schools as part of efforts to address challenges affecting pupils’ continuation in education.
The interventions form part of the ministry of education and training’s World Bank-supported Strengthening Basic Education and Early Childhood Development for Human Capital Development Project.
Project Coordinator Khanyisile Mokoena said the project was implementing targeted programmes to support learners and improve their chances of remaining in school. She said the interventions included support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), as well as Boys and Girls Clubs intended to provide additional support to learners.
Mokoena explained that eight schools were participating in the OVC intervention. She said the eight schools form part of the 64 targeted under the broader retention programme. She said the project was also supporting mathematics and science instruction in 26 secondary schools.
The interventions are intended to improve the quality of education while addressing factors that affect learners’ ability to remain in school and complete their education. Mokoena said the intention was to ensure that learners received the necessary support throughout their schooling so that they could complete their education and make informed decisions about their future career pathways.
She said the project recognised that improving education required more than ensuring that learners enrolled in school.
As attention also had to be given to whether they remained in school and acquired the skills needed for their future. The boys and girls clubs form part of the support interventions, while the OVC component focuses on vulnerable learners. Mokoena said the project hoped that learners benefiting from the interventions would be able to complete their education, pursue suitable career pathways and eventually contribute to the country’s development.
The project also includes efforts to improve the quality of mathematics and science teaching through interventions in secondary schools. The broader initiative seeks to strengthen education service delivery and improve the quality and internal efficiency of basic education, particularly at primary and junior secondary levels.
