Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Learner Absenteeism in Foundation Phase Classrooms
Keywords:
Foundation Phase, School attendance, Poverty, Socioeconomic, Learner AbsenteeismAbstract
Learner absenteeism is a serious issue in many Foundation Phase classrooms. This study aimed to explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on learners’ absenteeism in Foundation Phase classrooms. The study took place in Mopani District, specifically in Klein Letaba Circuit, South Africa. The study used a qualitative approach. Data were gathered through observations and semi-structured interviews with Foundation Phase teachers. The study targeted all teachers in the Foundation Phase classrooms to explore how difficult living conditions, such as poverty and unemployment, influence whether learners attend school regularly. A sample of 8 teachers was selected from 4 schools. Purposive sampling has been considered the best method to sample teachers in each school. In this study, thematic analysis was used for data collection. The study adopted Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. The findings showed that learners often stay at home due to hunger, poor housing, lack of transportation, and parents who are not involved in their education. Learners have to travel long distances to school and do chores at home. These challenges make it hard for learners to attend school every day, which affects their learning and progress. Based on the findings, the study suggests that schools should offer support, such as feeding programmes, involve families more in school activities, and provide extra help to learners who are affected. Addressing these challenges may improve school attendance and give all learners a better chance to succeed.
References
[1] Y. Akinyemi, “Relationship between economic development and road traffic crashes and casualties: Empirical evidence from Nigeria,” Transportation Research Procedia, vol. 48, pp. 218–232, 2020.
[2] Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, School Attendance and Engagement in Disadvantaged Communities: A Report on Foundation Phase Learners. Canberra, Australia: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, 2023.
[3] C. J. Ayabei, “Exploring factors influencing absenteeism and academic performance: A study on early childhood and primary education (ECPE) classes,” IAA Journal of Education, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1–12, 2024.
[4] B. A. Bago, “Effect of single parenthood on students’ academic performance: A case of selected secondary schools in Bitereko Sub-County, Mitooma District,” IAA Journal of Social Sciences (IAA-JSS), vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 216–226, 2022.
[5] U. Bronfenbrenner, The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1979.
[6] H. Bundshuh, M. Ohlson, and A. Swanson, “Finding support and significance at school: Program evaluation of a chronic absenteeism reduction initiative,” National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Journal, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 50–63, 2021.
[7] J. F. Cohen, A. A. Hecht, G. M. McLoughlin, L. Turner, and M. B. Schwartz, “Universal school meals and associations with student participation, attendance, academic performance, diet quality, food security, and body mass index: A systematic review,” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 3, p. 911, 2021.
[8] R. Dave, P. Luhana, A. K. Bharti, and A. S. Kujur, Research Methodology: Concepts, Analytical Techniques, and Strategies. Academic Guru Publishing House, 2025.
[9] A. N. Gamage, “Research design, philosophy, and quantitative approaches in scientific research methodology,” Scholarly Journal of Engineering and Technology, vol. 2, pp. 91–103, 2025.
[10] M. M. K. Ibrahim, M. L. Loubou, K. S. Luc-Aime, M. Aminou, and N. G. Marcellin, “Influence of socioeconomic factors on the nutritional status of pupils aged 5 to 11 in rural areas in Cameroon: Case of the Nyambaka municipality,” Indian Journal of Public Health, vol. 66, no. 2, pp. 193–195, 2022.
[11] V. Keila, “Exploring Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences and perceptions of the challenges that impede school readiness,” M.S. thesis, Univ. Venda, 2021.
[12] S. M. Lematango, “Socioeconomic factors influencing learners’ absenteeism in primary schools of Oldonyiro Division, Isiolo County,” Ph.D. dissertation, Kenya Methodist Univ., 2021.
[13] W. M. Lim, “What is qualitative research? An overview and guidelines,” Australasian Marketing Journal, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 199–229, 2025.
[14] D. Mncube, Analysis of the Impact of Poor Infrastructure Provision on the Quality of Education in Rural Schools. Axiom Academic Publishers, 2023.
[15] J. Nabukenya, Factors Influencing Absenteeism in Primary Schools: Evidence from Rural Uganda. Makerere University Press, 2018.
[16] V. Nordin, M. Palmgren, A. Lindbladh, S. Bölte, and U. Jonsson, “School absenteeism in autistic children and adolescents: A scoping review,” Autism, vol. 28, no. 7, pp. 1622–1637, 2024.
[17] I. J. Oyeleye, “Stress factors and parental socio-economic status on class attendance and academic performance of business education students in colleges of education,” Ph.D. dissertation, Kwara State Univ., Nigeria, 2021.
[18] B. Preston, Funding, Equity and Achievement in Australian Schools: A Report on a National Symposium. Barbara Preston Research, 2023.
[19] C. J. Sakr et al., “Absenteeism among healthcare workers: Job grade and other factors that matter in sickness absence,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 22, no. 1, p. 127, 2025.
[20] M. G. Sikhwari and T. J. Mudau, “Cultural barriers to education: Addressing absenteeism among marginalized groups in South Africa,” Comparative Education Review, vol. 65, no. 3, pp. 450–470, 2021.
[21] H. Taherdoost, “Data collection methods and tools for research: A step-by-step guide,” International Journal of Academic Research in Management, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 10–38, 2021.
[22] C. I. Ugwu, J. N. Ekere, and C. Onoh, “Research paradigms and methodological choices in the research process,” Journal of Applied Information Science and Technology, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 116–124, 2021.
[23] M. N. Wambua, P. A. Odundo, and J. N. Muasya, “Influence of parental involvement on learner absenteeism in public primary schools in Kenya,” Journal of Education and Practice, vol. 10, no. 15, pp. 123–130, 2019.
[24] S. Wolf et al., “Remote learning engagement and learning outcomes during school closures in Ghana,” International Journal of Educational Research, vol. 115, p. 102055, 2022.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Natural Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who submit papers with this journal agree to the following terms.
