TRENDS IN YOUTH EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

I count myself lucky to live in a country where education is free, meaning if you are between the ages of 6 and 18, you can get an education at no cost. Yet, despite this privilege, I find myself deeply concerned about a troubling trend: the dropout rates among our youth. Why, in 2024, are we still witnessing young people, some as young as 15, dropping out of school? Education is compulsory, and without it, our young citizens cannot contribute economically to our country. So, what is going wrong?

June 16th is Youth Day in South Africa, a day that commemorates the sacrifice of the youth who participated in the Soweto uprising in 1976. It’s a poignant reminder of the struggles and the hard-won battles for the rights we enjoy today. It’s also recognised across the continent as the Day of the African Child, with this year’s theme being “To educate an African Child Fit for the 21st Century.”

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However, physical and economic barriers to education, subpar educational quality, and insufficient funding continue to hinder the realisation of children’s rights to education throughout Africa. The progress we’ve made is clear when we look at the statistics. The population census shows a remarkable long-term change in the levels of educational attainment reached by South African youth. Those aged 15–24 years with no formal education decreased from 5.5% in 1996 to 1.6% in 2022. Similarly, non-completion of primary education significantly declined from 14.9% to 2.9%.

The percentage of secondary school completion more than doubled from 16.8% in 1996 to 37.3% in 2022. Moreover, diploma and certificate graduates almost tripled from 1.4% in 1996 to 3.5% in 2024. These statistics are a testament to South Africa’s journey towards educational equity, marked by significant reforms since the advent of democracy in 1994.

Reforms such as the establishment of no-fee schools, school nutrition programmes, the Child Support Grant (CSG), improved access to scholar transport, and the introduction of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have had profound impacts on school attendance and dropout rates. These initiatives have helped many students stay in school and pursue their educational goals, yet challenges remain.

When we compare South Africa to other countries where education is not free, the contrast is stark. In many parts of the world, families must bear the brunt of educational costs, which often leads to high dropout rates and low literacy levels. For instance, in the United States, student debt is a significant issue, and in many developing countries, the cost of education can be prohibitive for many families. This comparison underscores the importance of free education as a foundation for a thriving society.

Yet, despite these advantages, South Africa continues to struggle with high dropout rates. Why? The reasons are complex. Economic hardship remains a significant barrier. Even though tuition is free, the associated costs of uniforms, transportation, and school supplies can be burdensome for low-income families. Additionally, many young people are forced to leave school to support their families financially.

Moreover, the quality of education in many schools is still subpar. Large class sizes, insufficient resources, and underqualified teachers make it difficult for students to receive the education they deserve. These issues are compounded by social challenges such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and violence, which further contribute to dropout rates.

It’s clear that while we’ve made significant strides, there’s still much work to be done. As we celebrate Youth Day, we must also renew our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. This means not only providing free tuition but also addressing the broader economic and social issues that affect our youth.

Education is not just a right; it’s a necessity. Without it, our young people cannot fully participate in the economic, social, and political life of our country. As we move forward, let’s continue to strive for an educational system that leaves no child behind, one that truly prepares every young person for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

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