An Examination of the Factors contributing to Learner Dropout at Grade Six Level in Manzini Region Primary Schools
Benkosi Madlela 
Issue: Vol.5 No.7 Issue Article 3 pp.1087-1102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024573| Published online 2nd July, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Learner dropout remains a challenge in Eswatini despite the introduction of free primary education by the government. The study established the factors that contribute to learner dropout at the grade six level in the Manzini region. An interpretivist research philosophy and a qualitative research approach were adopted to collect the study’s data. A case study design made it possible to collect detailed data from purposively selected participants in three public primary schools. Interviews were held with two head teachers while nine grade six teachers took part in focus group discussions. Findings revealed that school-related factors like overcrowded classrooms, poor performance and non-availability of practical subjects that aligned with learners’ interests and abilities contributed to learner dropout. Findings further revealed that poverty, child labour, peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, lack of parental involvement, and initiation into cultural practices and activities contributed to learner dropout. The study recommended that the government should build more schools and classrooms and hire more qualified teachers to reduce overcrowding in classrooms and the distance walked by learners to school. The government should also support needy learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with basic necessities such as sanitary pads for girls. The Ministry of Education should introduce practical subjects like Carpentry, Art, Music and Dance to cater for the interests and abilities of different learners. Schools should promote parental involvement and core curricula activities to engage, motivate and retain learners. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by suggesting strategies that can mitigate learner dropout which is a widespread challenge in the SADC region and other African countries.
Keywords: Factors, Learner, Dropout, Manzini, Primary Schools
Begizew, M. “ Contributing Factors for School Dropout in Primary School; The Cause of Jabi Woreda, WEST Gojjam, Ethiopia.” St. Mary’s University, 2015.
Bridgeland, John M, John J DiIulio Jr, and Karen Burke Morison. “The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts.” Civic Enterprises, 2006.
Cervellino, Marina Marlen. “Universal Strategies to Prevent High School Dropout,” 2019.
Creswell, John W, and Cheryl N Poth. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five Approaches. Sage publications, 2016.
Dekeza-Tsomo, Ntombikazi Gloria. “Factors Contributing to the Dropout Rate of Learners at Selected High Schools in King William’s Town,” 2012.
Dunleavy, Jodene, and Penny Milton. “Student Engagement for Effective Teaching and Deep Learning.” Education Canada 48, no. 5 (2008): 4–8.
Eswatini Ministry of Education and Training – MOET. A Report on Out-of-School Children in Eswatini. Mbabane Government Printers, 2018.
———. Education and Training Policy . Mbabane: Government Printers , 2018.
Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Eswatini Education Sector Strategic Plan 2022–2034. Mbabane Government Printers, 2022.
Grant, Monica J, and Kelly K Hallman. “Pregnancy‐related School Dropout and Prior School Performance in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.” Studies in Family Planning 39, no. 4 (2008): 369–82.
ILO. “Gender and Development ,” 2017. http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/economic-and-social-development/gender-and-development/lang-en/index.htm.
Khodaeifaal, Solmaz. “Student Engagement: Enhancing Students’ Appreciation for Learning and Their Achievement in High Schools,” 2017.
Lesotho Ministry of Education and Training – LMET. Education Sector Plan. Maseru: Government Printers, 2009.
McMillan, J., and S. Schumacher. Research in Education Evidence Based Inquiry . 7th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education, 2014.
Mdluli, K. J. “ Managing Student Dropout Rates at a Technical Vocational Education and Training College in KwaZulu-Natal.” University of South Africa, 2017.
Mgwangqa, Vuyiswa, and Lorraine Lawrence. “Why Do Learners Drop out of School? Learner Perceptions in the Fort Beaufort District, Eastern Cape, South Africa.” Commonwealth Youth and Development 6, no. 2 (2008): 16–32.
Mohlouoa, Mamothebesoane Mookho Ntelele. “Factors Influencing the Dropout Rate in Primary Schools in the Teyateyaneng Region, Lesotho .” University of South Africa, 2014.
Nekongo-Nielsen, Haaveshe, Nchindo R Mbukusa, and Emmy Tjiramba. “Investigating Factors That Lead to School Dropout in Namibia.” The Namibia CPD Journal for Educators, 2018, 99–118.
Ngwakwe, Collins C. “A Review of Causes of School Dropouts in Brics Countries: A South African Case.” Corporate Ownership & Control 12, no. 1 (2014): 911–14.
Pridmore, Pat. Access to Conventional Schooling for Children and Young People Affected by HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-National Review of Recent Research Evidence. London: SOFIE, Institute of Education, University of London, 2008.
Rehman, Adil Abdul, and Khalid Alharthi. “An Introduction to Research Paradigms.” International Journal of Educational Investigations 3, no. 8 (2016): 51–59.
Stewart-Harawira, Makere. The New Imperial Order: Indigenous Responses to Globalization. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2008.
Tomović, Aleksandar. “Engagement Theory Based Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Computer Science Students’ Perceptions of Their Learning Engagement Using Mobile Devices,” 2021.
UNESCO. Education For All Global Monitoring Report. Paris: UNESCO Publishing, 2011.
UNICEF. “Violence against Children,” 2017. https://www.unicef.org/protection/violence-against-children.
Utphall, Katharine E. “The Effect of Student/Counselor Ratios on Student Droupout Rates in a Sample of Wisconsin Public High Schools,” 2006.
Vushe, Lovemore. “A Qualitative Exploration of the Personal, Schooling and Structural Factors Contributing to High School Learner Dropout in Philippi,” 2019.
White, Susan Williams, and F Donald Kelly. “The School Counselor’s Role in School Dropout Prevention.” Journal of Counseling & Development 88, no. 2 (2010): 227–35.
Willms, J Douglas. “Student Engagement: A Leadership Priority.” In Conversation, 3:1–12, 2011.
Willms, J Douglas, Sharon Friesen, and Penny Milton. What Did You Do in School Today? Transforming Classrooms through Social, Academic, and Intellectual Engagement.(First National Report). ERIC, 2009.
Dr. Benkosi Madlela has published book chapters and articles in the DHET-accredited journals. He is also a peer reviewer. His publications focus on the use of technology in education, inclusive education, curriculum reform through indigenization as well as open distance and online education. He is registered with the South African Council of Educators (SACE).
Madlela, Benkosi. “An Examination of the Factors contributing to Learner Dropout at Grade Six Level in Manzini Region Primary Schools,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.7 (2024): 1087-1102. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024573
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
