Central SA
Free State Education to strengthen foundation phase to reduce dropout rate─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 05:00 Tue, 10 Dec 2024
The Free State Department of Education has reiterated the critical importance of a strong foundation phase as a strategy to reduce the province’s alarming dropout rate.
The high dropout rate in the province was 65.8% in 2023. The number of pupils who completed matric in the stipulated time was only 63.5% at no-fee schools, mainly those situated in poor communities.
DA Free State leader Roy Jankielsohn at provincial legislature sitting in Bloemfontein. Photo: Screenshot.
Some reasons for dropping out of school included illness or disability, Poor academic performance, Lack of money for fees, family commitment, and No interest in education.
‘We need measures to retain learners in school’
During a recent sitting of the provincial legislature in Bloemfontein, Free State DA Leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn expressed serious concern about the number of learners failing to complete matric.
“What we found in the past is that the dropout rate in the Free State is particularly high. We need measures to retain learners in school because when young people drop out, they end up on the streets, contributing to social problems and becoming unemployable,” Jankielsohn said.
The closure of technical tertiary institutions has exacerbated the challenge of equipping young people with the necessary skills for employment.
Acknowledging the severity of the issue, Free State Education MEC Julia Maboya emphasised that a multifaceted approach is needed to lower dropout rates, beginning with strengthening the foundation phase in primary education.
“We do have a high dropout rate, and this is something we are vigorously addressing,” Maboya said. Weak foundational education often leads to learners dropping out before reaching Grade 12.
Maboya outlined her department’s plans, which include improving foundation phase education to ensure that primary schools prepare learners for higher grades.
Enhancing the quality of education with a focus on STEM subjects increasing the number of Bachelor-level matric passes and promoting inclusive education, ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.
She added the department intends to establish technical schools in every circuit to provide learners with practical skills and alternatives to traditional academic streams.
