| dc.description.abstract | This research paper examines the rural socio-economic circumstances that may
influence the learning abilities of the children, with particular reference to Tlapeng
Village in the North West Province. Tlapeng Village is about 25km from
Mafikeng. It has a population density of approximately 4 500 people, but the
learners are few in both the primary and the middle school (approximately 350 in
total for both schools). An exploratory/descriptive study was undertaken to
research the socio-economic circumstances that may hamper the scholastic
achievements of the children
According to recent studies conducted by the Institute for Democracy in South
Africa (IDASA), (Sowetan, 30 October 2003: 33), many of South Africa's
children say their most urgent needs are education, food and basic services such as
water and electricity, and that lack of income prevents them from realizing their
rights to basic health services and education.
The rural socio-economic circumstances that may hamper the learners' ability to
learn were displayed and suggestions of how to curb/eliminate/reduce such
circumstances in order for the rural learners to succeed in their education were
explored.
The sample for this research consisted of 35 respondents: 20 learners, 5 educators
and 10 parents. Data was obtained through questionnaires that were administered
to respondents. Interviews were also held with principals, educators and parents.
From the literature and empirical findings, it became evident that there are, indeed,
rural socio-economic circumstances that may hamper the scholastic achievement of
the children.
The researcher 's recommendation was that in areas where the design of
programmes excludes children, the criteria should be changed to include all
children. In addition, discriminatory practices in implementing programmes need
to end and implementation speeded up.
The government needs to continue prioritizing expenditure on infrastructure in the
form of roads in the budget. This is because transport costs are one of the main
obstacles to facilitating access to schools and health providers. Alternatively, or in
addition, cash transfers need to facilitate access to schooling and health services
for all poor children. | en_US |
