Matric exams: Nearly 500 000 pupils go MIA during finals
As matric exams go on, stats reveal nearly half a million who started with the class of 2023 in grade one did not make it to write.
As matric exams roll out, alarming statistics reveal that nearly half a million pupils have gone MIA that were supposed to be writing.
According to The Citizen nearly 500,000 learners should have been preparing for their matric final exams, but they are nowhere to be seen.
ALSO READ: Matric final exams: Security enhanced, NO leaks
MATRIC EXAMS:NEARLY HALF A MILLION PUPILS WHO SHOULD BE WRITING BUT ARE NOT
In 2012, DBE disclosed that 1,208,973 Grade one students attended regular schools, 46,149 attended independent institutions, and 1,162,824 attended public schools.
Phemelo Segoe, an education expert and the Marketing Manager at Optimi Workplace, voiced serious worry about the figures.
ALSO READ: Matric Finals: ‘High hopes for class of 2023’
Segoe highlighted that even in fee-free schools, there are financial obligations like textbook fees, which are a challenge for some parents.
The economic downturn, job losses, and worsening financial conditions force children out of school, Segoe said on 702.
ALSO READ: Matric final exams: Impostor caught writing in KZN’s top-performing school
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS STUDENTS DROP OUT?
A recent study indicates a notable rise in teen pregnancies among these students, leading to increased girl-child absenteeism from school.
ALSO READ: The final countdown: Matric final exams approaching
Balancing motherhood, chores, and schoolwork becomes especially challenging for these girls, resulting in lower academic performance compared to boys.
Moreover, gender-based violence presents an additional danger to the safety and education of these students, as they face a risk of abuse, particularly when they rent accommodation close to school.
ALSO READ: MATRIC FINALS: Risks of cheating or dishonesty
This alarming issue stems from teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and government’s failure to monitor and help dropouts.
This is according to Dr Zanele Zuma’s piece on IOL News.
“Without immediate action to tackle dropout causes and support vulnerable students, the future of many South African youths is uncertain.”