The Effectiveness of Community Education Services in Influencing Socio-Economic Issues in the Gravelotte Community

Abstract

The successes of educational services in influencing socio-economic issues in societies across the globe are captured through empirical studies. A qualitative interpretive approach was employed to investigate the effectiveness of community education in influencing socio-economic issues in the Gravelotte community. The researchers used three methods to collect data which were in-depth individual interviews, document analysis and participant observation. Ten participants were interviewed individually using open-ended interview guides. The study was conducted in the small semi-urban area of Gravelotte community in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality with a population of about 500 residents of mixed races. The collected data was thematically analysed. The findings of the study are that there is no secondary school in the Gravelotte community which is detrimental for socio-economic development in the area. The study recommends that one primary school in the area be empowered to proceed to be a secondary school or provide education up to grade 9, private companies and individuals with interest in education should be coerced support community education and that the TVET College establish a forum locally to provide marketing and interactive collaboration with locals to recruit learners who may drop out of mainstream education.