This research report examines poverty as a socio-economic factor that may
hamper the academic performance of learners in rural areas of Mafikeng
(Magogoe). The research was conducted in Magogoe village of Mafikeng. The
researcher is a professional Middle school educator, who in her experience as an
educator realised that there are learners who do not achieve academically
because of their social background.
A descriptive 'study was undertaken to research on poverty and academic
performance of learners in rural areas of Mafikeng. Middle school learners are in
a transition stage, which according to Erikson (Louw, 1991) is adolescent stage.
They seek positive identity and according to Freud (Louw, 1991) they are in
genital stage in which they form relationships with opposite sex persons. During
this time of their lives, they need more energy that is provided· by healthy
nutrition, as their physical being also grows at a faster rate. Those that
experience hardships are, because of poverty, greatly affected and eventually
become prone to health and social pathologies.
Factors such as accommodation, income, mode of transport to school, source of
energy and parental involvement in children's schoolwork were explored to verify
the effects of poverty on academic performance.
The sample of the research consisted of 60 participants whom are all learners
from three different middle schools in Magogoe village. Data was obtained
through questionnaires, which were self administered by the researcher to the
participants. From the literature and empirical findings, it became evident that
poverty does affect scholastic performance of learners.
The researcher's recommendations are that, permaculture and feeding schemes
be introduced in rural schools. The Department of Transport assist learners who
walk long distances to schools by providing the learners with bicycles and or
school buses. Government improve infrastructures in schools and the
Department of Education implement structured study periods after school where
the educators can supervise the learners. Learners be provided with Life Skills
education which will help them understand their situation and learn to cope in
their family circumstances. / Thesis (M.A. (Life Skills)) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/11376 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Mpete, Mmamorake Faith |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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