#3
Make us count
Youth Capital advocates for individual tracking of learners; this would allow problems experienced in schools and tertiary institutions to be identified early, triggering the right support for young people.
Currently, there is no easy way to follow learners and students as they navigate their education journey between provinces or across different levels of education. Meaningfully tracking individual progress would be a game-changer for young people.
The facts are
In 2014, I was doing my first year at Stellenbosch University. Going from a rural high school into an Afrikaans dominated university was a big issue for me. Every time I had to study for exams it felt like it was my first time hearing about the particular topic because of the language barrier. Only one lecturer realised I was struggling and reached out; we had one-on-one sessions and when I dropped out, in the second semester, I had the highest marks in that subject. Four years later I am graduating in same degree but at a different university.
-Mihle Unathi Bika
RESEARCH
The Zero Dropout Campaign works to change the perception that school dropout is a voluntary conclusion by demonstrating what it takes to ensure learners complete Grade 12. Key to this is a data-driven approach, which would help identify learners at risk of dropping out and provide support before they disengage with the schooling system. In this policy brief, the campaign outlines how to leverage the existing data collection system (SA-SAMS) and the Data Driven Districts (DDD) programme through a multistakeholder approach.
What could improved certification look like?
Existing education data systems are better used to continuously track and report on marks, conduct and attendance.
Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges improve and standardise their data systems to make sure students are tracked across their vocational qualifications.
Reliable data is released annually regarding the status of all learner and student dropout and completion.
We’ve got a plan!
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