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The Influence of Ecological Systems on Primary School Learner Performance in Informal Settlements in Namibia

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  • Kaino Ipinge
  • Johannes Seroto

Abstract

Learners’ underperformance in primary schools in informal settlements is a concern worldwide. Families living in urban informal settlements of Windhoek, Namibia face overwhelming social and economic challenges, which affect children’s academic performance. A qualitative inquiry was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory with reference to the microsystem, mesosystem, and the exosystem, which emphasizes the complex interactions between individuals and their environment. Three primary schools were selected in the informal settlements of the Khomas Region, Windhoek, Namibia and a purposive sample of participants was chosen comprising school teachers, principals, school board chairpersons, parents, and Grade 7 learners. Data were collected by semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed according to themes. Findings indicated that challenges in the microsystem (poverty and socio-economic context), mesosystem (parental engagement and peer pressure), and exosystem (school infrastructure) were the main contributory factors to poor learner performance in the selected schools. The interconnectedness between learners and their ecological systems and how these systems interact have a direct bearing on learner performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaino Ipinge & Johannes Seroto, 2024. "The Influence of Ecological Systems on Primary School Learner Performance in Informal Settlements in Namibia," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(2), pages 21582440241, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:14:y:2024:i:2:p:21582440241247933
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440241247933
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matsudaira, Jordan D. & Hosek, Adrienne & Walsh, Elias, 2012. "An integrated assessment of the effects of Title I on school behavior, resources, and student achievement," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 1-14.
    2. Selma T Karuaihe & Philip R Wandschneider, 2018. "Limited access to services for the urban poor in Windhoek, Namibia," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(4), pages 466-479, July.
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