This study aims to explore educators' understandings of the effects of hunger and malnutrition on learners' academic performance. The study reveals that there are various social conditions that contribute to poor learner performance at school such as poor family background, absenteeism due to hunger, diseases, pedagogic relationship and high levels of unemployment. It came to light from the study that, in spite of the attempts by the Department of Basic Education to eradicate hunger by, for example, providing child support grants and the Nutrition Programme, there are other challenges that hinder learners' progress. The study reveals that the majority of children are orphans and come from impoverished backgrounds. They come to school hungry without breakfast and without lunch-boxes. They do not have the educational materials that are needed by the educators. The study reveals that vulnerable learners, coming from impoverished backgrounds are victims of the situations as they face many problems that hinder their well-being, both at home and at school. The study also reveals that, if a child lives in poverty, that child might perform poorly at school. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.