Abstract:
This study explores approaches used by school governance structures in reducing school drop out
in selected primary schools in Mzimba South Education District. Specifically, the study sought to
establish factors leading to school drop-out, to explore roles of each school governance structure,
to assess the current approaches used by these structures to tackle school drop-out and to identify
gaps that exist in the approaches used. The study used a qualitative approach to have an in depth
understanding of why learners are not retained in school. Purposive, snowball and convenient
sampling were key sampling techniques used. The study employed Grounded Theory during data
collection and Systems Theory guided the analysis. The study established that learners drop out
due to lack of parental care, poverty, class repetition and peer pressure and that roles that directly
relate to reducing school drop-out were executed by Mother Group. The main approaches used by
SGS included provision of guidance and counselling on importance of school, menstrual hygiene,
and reporting abuse; and bringing learners that dropped out back to school. Gaps identified in SGS
programming included lack of coordination between parents and school authorities, inadequate
engagement with at risk learners and lack of school-based counsellors to provide psychosocial
support to learners. The study recommends that Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
should enforce the implementation of Grade Promotion Policy to minimise grade repetition. The
study also recommends capacity building of mother groups to include training them on
psychosocial counselling, enhanced learner engagement and good coordination between the school
and school governance structures in identifying and assisting learners at risk of dropping out.
Lastly, the study recommends making education fun and introduction of after school clubs that
would help promote school retention. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen the
functionality of SGS as they work to reduce school drop-out.
