“YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT SCHOOL”: THE EXPERIENCE OF HIGH SCHOOL DROPUT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF YOUNG PERSONS

Rano napuštanje obrazovanja predstavlja složeni proces obilježen međudjelovanjem različitih individualnih, obiteljskih, školskih i društvenih činitelja. Ranjivost mladih s iskustvom ranog napuštanja obrazovanja ogleda se u smanjenim šansama na tržištu rada te većim rizikom od siromaštva i socijalne isključenosti. Dosadašnja istraživanja većinom su usmjerena na višestruke činitelje koji doprinose ranom napuštanju obrazovanja, dok u literaturi postoje praznine o životnim okolnostima i perspektivama mladih nakon prekida srednjoškolskog obrazovanja. Cilj ovog istraživanja je steći potpunije razumijevanje iskustva prekida srednje škole iz perspektive mladih. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 20 mladih u dobi od 16 do 20 godina s iskustvom prekida srednje škole. Podaci su se prikupljali metodom polustrukturiranog intervjua, dok se za analizu podataka koristila tematska analiza. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da mladi većinom interpretiraju prekid srednje škole kao negativno obrazovno iskustvo te izražavaju žaljenje zbog prekida obrazovanja. Većina mladih se nakon prekida srednje škole suočila s ograničenim mogućnostima na tržištu rada, ali i smanjenim prilikama za reintegraciju u sustav obrazovanja. U kontekstu percipiranih promjena nakon prekida srednje škole, rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na smanjenu kvalitetu društvenog života mladih kao i promjene u svakodnevnici. U pogledu planova za budućnost, mladi su većinom iskazivali aspiracije za nastavkom obrazovanja i pronalaskom posla. Dobiveni rezultati naglašavaju potrebu za različitim individualiziranim uslugama podrške te obrazovnih i profesionalnih usmjeravanja koji bi potaknuli mlade na nastavak obrazovanja i povećali njihove šanse na tržištu rada te doprinijeli njihovu ekonomskom i socijalnom uključivanju.Early high school dropout represents a complex process marked by interrelation of various individual, family, school and social factors. Vulnerability of young persons with the experience of early dropout is reflected in reduced chances at the labour market and an increased risk of poverty and social exclusion. Previous research studies were mostly focused on multiple factors which contribute to dropping out of high school, and there are gaps in the literature on the life conditions of young people immediately after dropping out of school. The aim of this research is to gain a fuller understanding of the high school dropout experience from the perspective of young people. The research was conducted on the sample of 20 young persons in the age from 16 to 20 years with the experience of dropping out of high school. The method used to collect data was a semi-structured interview, and the data was analysed by thematic analysis. The results of the research confirm that young people mostly interpret high school dropout as a negative educational experience and express regret because of dropping out of school. After dropping out of high school, most young people were faced with limited opportunities at the labour market, but also with reduced chances for reintegration into the education system. In the context of perceived changes after dropping out of high school, the results of the research indicate a reduced quality of social life of young people, as well as changes in their daily lives. With regard to plans for the future, young people mostly expressed aspirations for continuing education and finding a job. The obtained results highlight the need for different individualised support services, as well as educational and professional guidance that would motivate young people to continue their education and increase their chances on the labour market, thus contributing to their economic and social inclusion