Exploring academic risks and resilient factors associated with poverty in primary schools in the Mafeteng District
| dc.contributor.author | Khutlane, Rebecca Malira | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Matheolane, Retselisitsoe | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-05T09:36:54Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-05T09:36:54Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study explored the complex relationship between poverty, academic risks, and resilient factors among primary school learners in the Mafeteng district, Lesotho. By adopting a qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design, the study utilised a constructivist paradigm to fully understand participants' lived experiences. The study further identified specific academic challenges faced by learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as limited resources, truancy, and limited access to quality instruction. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with three principals, three teachers, and five learners from grades five, six, and seven of participating schools, this research investigated key resilient factors that helped learners from low- income families overcome adversity. Some of the key resilient factors identified in this study were strong intrinsic motivation, strong community-based programs such as safe homes, food parcels, and the availability of mentors, as well as support from teachers, family, and friends. By analysing these intertwined elements, the study sought to offer valuable insights to inform the development of targeted educational interventions and policies to improve academic outcomes and foster resilience among vulnerable learners in the Mafeteng district in Lesotho. Lastly, the findings revealed that financial constraints displayed a rather major challenge for smooth learning, which often led to a lack of essentials and created an environment where the disadvantaged are abused and exploited through child labour and sexual abuse. Regardless, the study also found that a number of these learners still achieved excellence. This success was mainly due to support from the community, and safe homes for those who needed a place to stay. Therefore, there should be more ways in which the learners from disadvantaged homes can be protected and kept away from those taking advantage of their needs and family status. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | National Manpower Development Secretariat | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2296 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | National University of Lesotho | |
| dc.title | Exploring academic risks and resilient factors associated with poverty in primary schools in the Mafeteng District |