The influence of the rural socio-economic circumstances on the learning abilities of the children (with special reference to Tlapeng village) in the North West province

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.