Effects of poverty on scholastic development of adolescents in the Mafikeng area

Abstract

This research report seeks to determine the effects of poverty on scholastic performance and development of adolescents of Magogoe and other neighboring villages in Mafikeng. The researcher has been teaching in the same area for the past eighteen years and according to her experience, poverty has negative effects on learner development and scholastic performance. Secondary school learners, most of whom are adolescents, participated in the study. Adolescents are said to be in a stage of transition from childhood to adulthood. Erickson (in Louw, 1998) explains that during this time of life, adolescents form relationships with opposite sex persons. It is during this time that energy derived from a healthy diet and nutrition is required. Learners from low socio-economic backgrounds are greatly affected and become prone to health and social pathologies. Data was obtained through questionnaires and were administered by the researcher. Empirical findings and literature studies proved that poverty has negative impacts on the performance of learners. The researcher recommended that self-help community projects be started and that community members be empowered to run small businesses.