,INC3701 Assignment 4 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2025 – DUE 21 July 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
QUESTION 1
1.1 Discuss five key challenges faced by learners in South
Africa that contribute to school dropout. Use examples from
the article to support your answer.
1. Poverty and Hunger
Many learners attend school hungry due to poverty at
home. The article mentions that 13% of children reported
going hungry sometimes, often, or always — around 2.4
million children. This lack of nutrition affects concentration
and energy, making learning difficult. Some learners rely
on school feeding schemes or on teachers who personally
buy food for them.
2. Unsafe and Difficult Transportation
Learners often face dangerous and long journeys to school.
In rural areas, some walk more than 10 km each way, while
others depend on unreliable or unsafe public transport. In
the Cape Flats, learners have to avoid routes due to gang
violence and stray bullets. This results in exhaustion or
absenteeism.
3. Overcrowded and Under-resourced Classrooms
Learners are taught in overcrowded classrooms—
sometimes with up to 60 students per class. The article
describes how schools often lack learning materials and
have bare walls with bars on windows, creating an
uninspiring environment. Teachers are pressured to rush
, through the curriculum, leading to disengagement and
learners falling behind.
4. Bullying and Violence
Many learners experience bullying, both from peers and
teachers. A 2015 survey found that 48% of Grade 5
learners in no-fee schools were bullied weekly, and 16%
reported extreme bullying. Despite being outlawed,
corporal punishment is still used by some teachers for
minor offenses like being late, creating a hostile learning
environment.
5. Lack of Home Support and Additional Responsibilities
Learners often return to homes where no adult is present to
help with homework. Many have to care for siblings or
perform household chores. With no assistance or
encouragement, schoolwork becomes a low priority. This
lack of support contributes to academic failure and eventual
dropout, particularly in Grades 10 and 11.
1.2 Propose five strategies that schools can implement to
better support learners and reduce dropout rates. For each
strategy, explain how it addresses the challenges discussed in
the article.
1. Expand and Improve School Nutrition Programs
Providing nutritious meals to all learners every school day
can reduce hunger and improve concentration and energy.
This would address the issue of learners coming to school
hungry and relying on feeding schemes, thereby improving
their ability to learn and stay in school.
1 2025 – DUE 21 July 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
QUESTION 1
1.1 Discuss five key challenges faced by learners in South
Africa that contribute to school dropout. Use examples from
the article to support your answer.
1. Poverty and Hunger
Many learners attend school hungry due to poverty at
home. The article mentions that 13% of children reported
going hungry sometimes, often, or always — around 2.4
million children. This lack of nutrition affects concentration
and energy, making learning difficult. Some learners rely
on school feeding schemes or on teachers who personally
buy food for them.
2. Unsafe and Difficult Transportation
Learners often face dangerous and long journeys to school.
In rural areas, some walk more than 10 km each way, while
others depend on unreliable or unsafe public transport. In
the Cape Flats, learners have to avoid routes due to gang
violence and stray bullets. This results in exhaustion or
absenteeism.
3. Overcrowded and Under-resourced Classrooms
Learners are taught in overcrowded classrooms—
sometimes with up to 60 students per class. The article
describes how schools often lack learning materials and
have bare walls with bars on windows, creating an
uninspiring environment. Teachers are pressured to rush
, through the curriculum, leading to disengagement and
learners falling behind.
4. Bullying and Violence
Many learners experience bullying, both from peers and
teachers. A 2015 survey found that 48% of Grade 5
learners in no-fee schools were bullied weekly, and 16%
reported extreme bullying. Despite being outlawed,
corporal punishment is still used by some teachers for
minor offenses like being late, creating a hostile learning
environment.
5. Lack of Home Support and Additional Responsibilities
Learners often return to homes where no adult is present to
help with homework. Many have to care for siblings or
perform household chores. With no assistance or
encouragement, schoolwork becomes a low priority. This
lack of support contributes to academic failure and eventual
dropout, particularly in Grades 10 and 11.
1.2 Propose five strategies that schools can implement to
better support learners and reduce dropout rates. For each
strategy, explain how it addresses the challenges discussed in
the article.
1. Expand and Improve School Nutrition Programs
Providing nutritious meals to all learners every school day
can reduce hunger and improve concentration and energy.
This would address the issue of learners coming to school
hungry and relying on feeding schemes, thereby improving
their ability to learn and stay in school.
