Record 42 SEDC students dropout in one term
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday September 19, 2018 14:07
The South East District council (SEDC) has recorded 42 cases of school dropouts during the second term alone, something that has made both councillors and dikgosi concerned.
According to the South East District Development Committee and District Disaster Management Committee report the dropout is mainly due to social issues.
The dropout affects both males and females. In primary school level three students dropped out, one female and two males, in junior school level 20 students dropped, 10 males and 10 females, while in senior school level 19 dropped out being six males and 13 females.
“It’s a sad situation, as 42 is a big number and I am deeply concerned about the issue. In fact, our community development and social services is fully engaged in this matter to help with counselling. They are also urging these students to go back to school. We are also encouraging parents to help us because it’s our responsibility as parents to see that they attend school and finish their programme,” SEDC chairperson, Phenyo Segokgo said.
He said the reason the students give vary from situation to situation. For some females it is pregnancy, some it is family differences while others do not have reasons why they are leaving school.
Another councillor Gloria Batlang advised that since dikgosi are members of the SEDC then they should call kgotla meetings, which will be attended by the district commissioner together with council officials in order to talk to parents about the seriousness of this matter.
“The number of dropouts is increasing yearly and something needs to be done,” Batlang said.
Some dikgosi who attended meetings in the Bamalete area and Tlokweng agreed that they would talk to others for kgotla meetings to be called.