The influence of poverty on the academic performance of grade 10 learners: a case in selected secondary schools in Vaalwater circuit, Limpopo province

Abstract

The influence of poverty on the academic performance of learners particularly in Grade 10 cannot be ignored. Learners in Vaalwater Circuit perform poorly in Grade 10, some drop out of school while unfortunate ones do not even reach Grade 10. Access to proper education and poor academic performance are considered as one of the major predictors of passing poverty from one generation to another. However, other scholars and researcher such as Vally and Motala (2014:98) opined that it is not only through education that we could end poverty, but good structural arrangements were also equally capable of ending extreme poverty. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the influence of poverty on the academic performance of learners, particularly the Grade 10 learners in Vaalwater circuit. Previous studies revealed that learners performed poorly in school for a number of reasons, with some of them emanating from poverty. On the other hand, Vally & Motala’s viewpoint was that education in this instance was multi-faceted, as some skills were not necessarily learnerd in the classroom through learner-educator interactions and assignments, but were acquired through experience and constant practice (Vally & Motala, 2014:138). Seemingly, previous literature suggested that poverty was consistently linked to unemployment, poor health, and low literacy, and poor nutrition, high levels of stress, crime, and teenage pregnancy amongst others. The study used the Qualitative Research Mothodology (QRM) as well as the Case Study research design. The researcher also used the Semi-Structured-Interviews as well as the Focus Group Discussions as data collection instruments. The motive for the use of such tools was to ensure validity and reliability of the findings. The population in the study were school principals, educators, and learners as participants. Vaalwater circuit is a small area of twelve schools, of which four were secondary schools and eight primary schools. Similarly, the study used purposive sampling to select two school principals, four educators, and eight Grade 10 learners. The total population was 2371 inclusive of both the learners and educators from the four secondary schools. The researcher sampled fourteen (14) participants, of which two were school principals; four were educators (two males and two females), and eight Grade 10 learners of a balanced gender. The selected sample was considered sufficient to provided satisfactory responses to the research questions. The study found out that there was lack of co-operation and communication between all stakeholders involved in education. Seemingly, government, schools, and communities were not doing enough to eradicate poverty as well as cater for poor learners who come from poor families. Lack of parental support, lack of space and overcrowding at home, lack of proper role models were also found to be some of the influences of poverty on the academic performance of Grade 10 learners in Vaalwater circuit. The study also revealed other challenges such as corruption and mismanagement of resources, which were directed at poverty reduction strategies, such funds did not reach the intended recipients. The study concluded that even though there were many issues around the influence of poverty on the academic perfomance of grade ten learners that should not be used as an excuse to drop out of school, but should serve as motivation to work hard and achieve the intended goals. All other stake holders should join hands and work together towards the attainment of a common goal which is excellent improved academic perfomance of learners. Finally, the study recommended equal distribution of resources, improved school infrastructure, donations, creation of job opportunities especially in rural areas and monitoring of state resources amongst others.