Financial pressures, an unplanned pregnancy, academic challenges. There are many reasons learners drop out of school. But, just because you’ve dropped out doesn’t mean you can’t go back. If your challenge is financial or academic, make sure you have all the information you need to get your education back on track.
Education is the key to a brighter future for you and your family. Read on to find out how you can get back to school or help others who’ve dropped out get back on track.

 

South Africa
In South Africa students are required to attend school until Grade 9 or 15yrs. The Western Cape is hoping to increase this age to Grade 12 or Age 17. Students who drop out of school due to reasons other than pregnancy (see policy below) have 3-6 months to return to school. If students are away from school for longer than 6 months and are older than 14yrs, schools are in no way obligated to take them back. These students would then have to attend either a FET college or Adult Learning Centre to finish their Grade 10 – 12 studies. See links below that have lists of FET colleges, no-fee schools and Adult Learning Centers in the different provinces.

Learning Institutions: www.gostudy.mobi/Default.aspx
No Fee Schools:
www.education.gov.za/Schoolinfo/Info/noschoolfees.asp

Pregnancy Policy
Since 1996 teenage girls who fall pregnant are not forced to leave school, and are encouraged to wait for 2 years after giving birth before returning (so they have time to nurture their baby in its early life). Although this is the country policy, the reality on the ground might be very different. Only about a third of teen mothers actually return to school because of the pressures they face in providing and caring for the child. Going back to school requires a lot of determination and support from the community, family and friends.

School Fee Reductions/Exemptions
In terms of the Schools Act, no student may be refused admission to a public school on the grounds that his or her parent or caregiver is unable to pay, or has not paid, school fees. At all public schools, parents may apply for a reduction in or even exemption from school fees. If both parents’ annual earnings are less than 10 times the yearly school fees (before tax), the child qualifies for a full fee exemption. Partial exemptions can also be made for parents with financial problems. This generally requires some kind of proof of income.

Schools are encouraged to form a School Fees Committee, which should assist parents in applying for exemption. Forms for fee exemption should be available at the school office; otherwise contact your provincial department of education.

Call the Department of Education’s toll-free hotline on 0800 202 933 for assistance with getting into a school.

For more answers to education questions visit the website:
www.southafrica.info/services/education/edufacts.htm

Botswana
Student Admissions Age
The table below shows the maximum admission age of students wanting to go back to school for the different forms.

N.B. All students seeking admission into either Form 1 or Form 4 must have sat for national examination equivalent to Standard 7 (PSLE) and Form 3 (JCE) respectively. Where in doubt please refer to your Regional Office.

Ex-pregnancy cases
Students who drop out of school due to pregnancy, can go back to any school six months after delivery, provided the following documents are submitted to the School Head:

1. Testimonial from their previous School and Certificates
2. Proof of date of end of pregnancy (birth certificate, hospital card of baby)
3. Proof of applicant’s age (Passport, birth certificate or Omang card.
4. Application letter

When these documents are submitted the School Head may decide to admit the student, provided a place is available. However, in the case of Form 4 applicants, these must be referred to the Regional Office to be included in the National Selection.

Students who dropped out due to illness
Students who left school due to illness can be re-admitted provided the following documents are submitted to the School Head:

1. Testimonial from last school and academic certificates
2. Proof of applicant’s age
3. An authentic medical certificate

Expatriate children can be admitted provided they submit the following documents to the School Head:

1. A copy of the most recent school report or school leaving statement
2. Proof of applicant’s age
3. A valid residence permit.
4. Proof of parent’s employment in Botswana (Work permit, Exemption Certificate or Appointment Letter)

The above documents (school report and age) also enable the School Head to determine which Form the student is able to attend. This also applies to students transferring from private schools and therefore includes Batswana who attend private schools.

Refugees
Requests for admission from refugees should be channelled through the Botswana Council for Refugees.

Transfer requests
Transfer requests from one Government /Government Aided School to another can be decided upon by the School Heads concerned provided the following documents are:

1. Testimonial from their previous school and academic certificates
2. Proof of applicant’s age
3. For transfers from private to public schools see statement under expatriates above

Desertion cases
Students who left school on their own decision (i.e. deserted) can be re-admitted provided the following documents are submitted to the school head:

1. Testimonial from their previous school
2. Proof of applicant’s age.
3. A copy of the most recent school report to determine the most appropriate level of entry and subject combinations.

N.B. Transfer requests from either a private school or abroad should be cleared with the Regional Office.

Expelled Students
Students who have been expelled cannot be cleared by the School Heads; the only authority for this is the Minister of Education. Any cases not covered above should be referred to the Regional Office for your area. Phone the Regional Office to chat through options before travelling in for a meeting to avoid unnecessary travels costs.

For more information on Guidelines for Secondary schools, visit the following website:
www.moe.gov.bw/fileadmin/templates/docs/Admissions_Guidelines_for_Secondary.pdf

Zambia
For students in Zambia it is relatively easy to go back to formal school in any grade. Students who fail grades 7, 9 and 12 usually repeat these grades at the same schools.
Private schools offer a facility where students can rewrite failed subjects to meet the school certificate, but these can be very expensive as you pay for private tuition and registration to rewrite the exam.
Adult education, independent of formal schooling, is also available at FET colleges as well as the University of Zambia and there are also Non-Government Organisations that offer it.