Abstract:

[NB - Data collection is currently underway for this research, and results should be ready for presentation at the conference in November 2019.] According to the Education White Paper 6: Special Needs Education- Building an inclusive education and training system (2001), the education system in South Africa should ideally cater to the diverse needs of learners.

This policy proposes schools to be viewed as centres of care and support, and not just as institutions of teaching and learning. This highlights how care and support are vital tools by which an inclusive and training education system could be achieved.

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding from the perspective of learners what their learning needs are, what kind of challenges do they face that affects their ability to learn and perform on scholastic activities. Secondly, this study explores where learners get help from when they face challenges at home, with friends and at school. Finally, I would like to learn whether learners think that access to psycho-social support services in schools would be useful to them.

This study involves in-depth interviews and semi-structured focus groups with learners in schools in the townships of Alexandra and Thembisa in South Africa. Results are expected before the end of August 2019.

Keywords:

Psycho-social Support Services, Township Public Schools, South Africa, Learners' Perspective.