Interrogating the Dropout Phenomenon with Reference to Five High Schools in Bikita District of Masvingo Province: Zimbabwe

This study was carried out when a myriad of problems were vexing the Zimbabwean education sector, amongst them the dropout phenomenon. The dropout problem appeared to transcend all levels of the education system. The study then, was premised on the quest to determine the demographic characteristics of 2017 ordinary level student dropouts, with focus on five high schools. Second and most importantly, the study sought to examine the factors underlying the high incidence of dropouts in the selected high schools. Also at the centre of this investigation was the need to expose dropout trends by gender. The study was conducted within the framework of the descriptive survey research design. A multiple dimension questionnaire (MDQ) was developed and used to elicit the required data. On the basis of the major findings of the study and subsequent conclusions, recommendations were enunciated. Recommendations pronounced embraced a matrix of interventions and mitigation measures to control and arrest the incidence of dropouts among ordinary level students in Bikita District’s high schools in Zimbabwe. Keywords: dropout, ordinary level, education sector, high school, interventions. Acronyms BEAM- basic education assistance module DPR- dropout prevalence rate EFA- education for all G & C- guidance and counselling MDQ- multiple dimension questionnaire SPS- school psychological services OVCs- orphans and other vulnerable children