Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Various research reports and articles in the popular press have highlighted the obstacles and negative conditions that learners experience at some farm schools in South Africa. These obstacles and conditions are not conducive to the health and well-being of farm schools and violate farm school learners' rights to receive a high quality of education. The aim of this research was to establish how parents of farm school learners perceive the health and well-being of farm schools. A literature study and a qualitative investigation were undertaken to achieve the aim of the research. The literature study focused on the health and well-being of schools with specific reference to farm schools. In the qualitative part of the research, focus group interviews were conducted with 38 parents of learners who attend farm schools in the Mopani District of the Department of Education in the Limpopo Province. The qualitative data analysis revealed the following findings: • Parents who participated in the research have negative perceptions of the health and well-being of the farm schools that their children attend. • Their negative perceptions can be ascribed to various health-related problems/issues that prevail at these schools. Based on the research findings, various recommendations were made with a view to improve the health and well-being of these farm schools. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Various research reports and articles in the popular press have highlighted the obstacles and negative conditions that learners experience at some farm schools in South Africa. These obstacles and conditions are not conducive to the health and well-being of farm schools and violate farm school learners' rights to receive a high quality of education. The aim of this research was to establish how parents of farm school learners perceive the health and well-being of farm schools. A literature study and a qualitative investigation were undertaken to achieve the aim of the research. The literature study focused on the health and well-being of schools with specific reference to farm schools. In the qualitative part of the research, focus group interviews were conducted with 38 parents of learners who attend farm schools in the Mopani District of the Department of Education in the Limpopo Province. The qualitative data analysis revealed the following findings: • Parents who participated in the research have negative perceptions of the health and well-being of the farm schools that their children attend. • Their negative perceptions can be ascribed to various health-related problems/issues that prevail at these schools. Based on the research findings, various recommendations were made with a view to improve the health and well-being of these farm schools. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of stress, support systems, coping strategies and psychological well-being of adolescents in a rural area, and to use this information to develop a coping and life skills programme. While all families face stressor events and crises, some are more likely than others to experience a series of challenges that threaten their functioning. Rural families often face a greater variety of stressor events on a more continues basis than do families in metropolitan areas (Dyk, 2003). Rural families do not have as many resources and services available lo address their problems as do urban families (Deavers & Hoppe, 2001). Farm schools suffer from a variety of shortages. Many schools suffer from a pressing shortage of space and educational aids and in most cases there is only one teacher for every 50 learners (Van Kleist, 2002). Some of the learners have to walk more than 1Okm to school everyday because of the lack of transport. Most schools lack proper sanitation and electricity. Recreational and cultural activities are curtailed through shortages of equipment and suitable locations. Education in life skills may contribute to the enhancement of life quality, The development of constructive coping strategies protects mental health and enhances bio psycho- social well-being in times of high stress. Previously it was assumed that each individual acquired these skills as part of growing up. Alas, the truth is that many people do not cope with life and never learned these skills. These skills should therefore be taught in a direct and systematic way, rather than being left to be learnt incidentally. The qualitative research design was based on a sample of 56 male and female adolescents between 1 2 and 16 years of age. The adolescents were from four farm schools situated in the Potchefstroom area. Sixteen learners were randomly selected for semi-structured interviews to obtain basic information for the pilot study. Approximately 37 learners took part in the programme. The learners attended Grades 4-7. The deve1opment of the programme was done in five phases. During phase one semi structured interviews were held with some of the learners. During phase two the interviews were evaluated thematically, The data was then organized into conceptual categories and was then analyzed. During phase three the programme was developed according to the themes derived from phase two. In phase four the programme was presented at the schools as a trial test. During phase five the programme underwent some changes according to the findings in phase four. The development of the programme went well, however presenting the programme was a more demanding task. Almost none of the participants could properly speak or understand Afrikaans or English. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of stress, support systems, coping strategies and psychological well-being of adolescents in a rural area, and to use this information to develop a coping and life skills programme. While all families face stressor events and crises, some are more likely than others to experience a series of challenges that threaten their functioning. Rural families often face a greater variety of stressor events on a more continues basis than do families in metropolitan areas (Dyk, 2003). Rural families do not have as many resources and services available lo address their problems as do urban families (Deavers & Hoppe, 2001). Farm schools suffer from a variety of shortages. Many schools suffer from a pressing shortage of space and educational aids and in most cases there is only one teacher for every 50 learners (Van Kleist, 2002). Some of the learners have to walk more than 1Okm to school everyday because of the lack of transport. Most schools lack proper sanitation and electricity. Recreational and cultural activities are curtailed through shortages of equipment and suitable locations. Education in life skills may contribute to the enhancement of life quality, The development of constructive coping strategies protects mental health and enhances bio psycho- social well-being in times of high stress. Previously it was assumed that each individual acquired these skills as part of growing up. Alas, the truth is that many people do not cope with life and never learned these skills. These skills should therefore be taught in a direct and systematic way, rather than being left to be learnt incidentally. The qualitative research design was based on a sample of 56 male and female adolescents between 1 2 and 16 years of age. The adolescents were from four farm schools situated in the Potchefstroom area. Sixteen learners were randomly selected for semi-structured interviews to obtain basic information for the pilot study. Approximately 37 learners took part in the programme. The learners attended Grades 4-7. The deve1opment of the programme was done in five phases. During phase one semi structured interviews were held with some of the learners. During phase two the interviews were evaluated thematically, The data was then organized into conceptual categories and was then analyzed. During phase three the programme was developed according to the themes derived from phase two. In phase four the programme was presented at the schools as a trial test. During phase five the programme underwent some changes according to the findings in phase four. The development of the programme went well, however presenting the programme was a more demanding task. Almost none of the participants could properly speak or understand Afrikaans or English. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

It is common to find farm schools some distance from the villages where learners reside, and in most cases these do not look good from the outside and are normally not given as much support as they should get. There are many challenges facing educators who are teaching learners in farm schools. Some of the problems emanate from home, including the socia-economic status and parental involvement. Other problems are as a result of the environmental conditions, including a lack of basic services like water, electricity and others. The education system is believed to be failing farm school learners in a way when it comes to issues like a lack of teaching or learning aids, a lack of a referral system, a lack in high schools, a lack of funding, managing and controlling the feeding scheme. At times some additional problems are caused by the learners themselves, including latecoming, absenteeism, a high drop-out rate, teenage pregnancy and vandalism. The bad road conditions and the fact that learners have to walk long distances to school, also impact negatively on the learners. Educators in farm schools feel that they are over-burdened in their task of teaching because of issues like multi-grade classes, too much administration, and lack of support from the department and the parents, as well as financial constraints. The above factors cause much frustration in the teaching profession and educators become drained and experience serious fatigue, which impacts negatively on their work. The aim of this study is to investigate the general perceptions of educators about the health status of farm schools. To attain this aim, the study had following specific objective: To determine the perceptions of educators about the health status of farm schools. A qualitative research design was considered to be the most appropriate for gaining in depth insight into the educators' perceptions about the health status of farm schools. Data was collected through phenomenological semi-structured interviews and direct observations. This data was then organised into categories and subcategories, and direct quotations were presented verbatim. Research findings were compared to the relevant literature to identify existing information and possible differences, and the findings were then recorded The study showed that there are many barriers in farm schools that hinder the smooth running the of school, in other words the learning and teaching. It is necessary to eliminate these barriers where possible, and to minimise and control the barriers that can be detrimental to the health status of farm schools. Findings from this research were classified according to the following main categories: • Difficult working conditions experienced by educators in the classroom. • Poor socio-economic status of learners. • Lack of support to learners from outside the school. • Dissatisfaction with the Department of Education's management. Lack of transport and bad road conditions on the way to school. • The adverse effect of the status quo on educators. • Learners’ negative attitude. • Struggles with helper mothers. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

It is common to find farm schools some distance from the villages where learners reside, and in most cases these do not look good from the outside and are normally not given as much support as they should get. There are many challenges facing educators who are teaching learners in farm schools. Some of the problems emanate from home, including the socia-economic status and parental involvement. Other problems are as a result of the environmental conditions, including a lack of basic services like water, electricity and others. The education system is believed to be failing farm school learners in a way when it comes to issues like a lack of teaching or learning aids, a lack of a referral system, a lack in high schools, a lack of funding, managing and controlling the feeding scheme. At times some additional problems are caused by the learners themselves, including latecoming, absenteeism, a high drop-out rate, teenage pregnancy and vandalism. The bad road conditions and the fact that learners have to walk long distances to school, also impact negatively on the learners. Educators in farm schools feel that they are over-burdened in their task of teaching because of issues like multi-grade classes, too much administration, and lack of support from the department and the parents, as well as financial constraints. The above factors cause much frustration in the teaching profession and educators become drained and experience serious fatigue, which impacts negatively on their work. The aim of this study is to investigate the general perceptions of educators about the health status of farm schools. To attain this aim, the study had following specific objective: To determine the perceptions of educators about the health status of farm schools. A qualitative research design was considered to be the most appropriate for gaining in depth insight into the educators' perceptions about the health status of farm schools. Data was collected through phenomenological semi-structured interviews and direct observations. This data was then organised into categories and subcategories, and direct quotations were presented verbatim. Research findings were compared to the relevant literature to identify existing information and possible differences, and the findings were then recorded The study showed that there are many barriers in farm schools that hinder the smooth running the of school, in other words the learning and teaching. It is necessary to eliminate these barriers where possible, and to minimise and control the barriers that can be detrimental to the health status of farm schools. Findings from this research were classified according to the following main categories: • Difficult working conditions experienced by educators in the classroom. • Poor socio-economic status of learners. • Lack of support to learners from outside the school. • Dissatisfaction with the Department of Education's management. Lack of transport and bad road conditions on the way to school. • The adverse effect of the status quo on educators. • Learners’ negative attitude. • Struggles with helper mothers. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Thesis (M.Ed.) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / This dissertation describes the schooling experiences of learners in farm schools in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. The study examines how learners and teachers cope with the daily challenges they face in farm schools. The study followed a qualitative approach, where a case study design was used. Two methods of data collection were used, namely, interviews and observations. The study found that schooling in farm schools was characterized by a lack of basic learning and teaching resources such as classrooms, chalkboards, and basic amenities such as toilets. It was also found that the use of the multi-grade system adversely affected quality schooling

This study was undertaken in five (5) farm schools in the Maquassi Hills Area Project Office (APO) with the intention to assess whether the School Management Teams (SMT's) are given necessary guidance to deal with health and well-being of schools. The Constitution of South Africa stipulates that human values (dignity, freedom and equality) form the most important challenges that condone and maintain that a safe and discipline environment should be created for effective teaching and learning. Focus group interviews were conducted to gather information which was relevant to the study. The findings show that SMT's of farm schools have problems with the managerial tasks as well as the functional tasks of schools' daily activities. The researcher infers that both the landowners and the DoE must ensure that electricity and water is provided where contractual agreements exist, as power affects the usage of visual aids and administering school businesses. The Department of Education (DoE) has no legal structure within which farm schools should operate to guarantee equal educational opportunities, and create a positive disciplined schools where learners and educators not only know what is expected, but feel secure. The officials who are responsible for the dispatch of learning support materials (LSM) hold the SMT's back in assigning duties to the educators because of lack of LSM. The study shows that the official seem to be ignorant of basic education to farm school learners, and how the DoE manages farm schools, reflects how it still clanged to the red-tape of funding farm schools. Other essentials like water and phones are not given attention to communicate problems that need immediate attention like illness, danger or accident. Learners still have to travel long distances which is a safety thread. The researcher eludes that it is in the interest of the landowners and the DoE that the conditions that prevail on farm schools should not impede with the work of the SMT's. The landowners and the DoE should come to a consensus in making the school environment for SMT's inviting. The DoE through school-based support teams from Area Project Office (APO) should support SMT's and guide them in managerial tasks. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This study was undertaken in five (5) farm schools in the Maquassi Hills Area Project Office (APO) with the intention to assess whether the School Management Teams (SMT's) are given necessary guidance to deal with health and well-being of schools. The Constitution of South Africa stipulates that human values (dignity, freedom and equality) form the most important challenges that condone and maintain that a safe and discipline environment should be created for effective teaching and learning. Focus group interviews were conducted to gather information which was relevant to the study. The findings show that SMT's of farm schools have problems with the managerial tasks as well as the functional tasks of schools' daily activities. The researcher infers that both the landowners and the DoE must ensure that electricity and water is provided where contractual agreements exist, as power affects the usage of visual aids and administering school businesses. The Department of Education (DoE) has no legal structure within which farm schools should operate to guarantee equal educational opportunities, and create a positive disciplined schools where learners and educators not only know what is expected, but feel secure. The officials who are responsible for the dispatch of learning support materials (LSM) hold the SMT's back in assigning duties to the educators because of lack of LSM. The study shows that the official seem to be ignorant of basic education to farm school learners, and how the DoE manages farm schools, reflects how it still clanged to the red-tape of funding farm schools. Other essentials like water and phones are not given attention to communicate problems that need immediate attention like illness, danger or accident. Learners still have to travel long distances which is a safety thread. The researcher eludes that it is in the interest of the landowners and the DoE that the conditions that prevail on farm schools should not impede with the work of the SMT's. The landowners and the DoE should come to a consensus in making the school environment for SMT's inviting. The DoE through school-based support teams from Area Project Office (APO) should support SMT's and guide them in managerial tasks. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.