{
  "abstract": "Background In South Africa, nearly four in ten learners drop out of the school system before completing Grade 12. This early loss of engagement undermines children’s learning, mental health and sense of belonging, whilst reinforcing intergenerational poverty, developmental challenges and neglect. To counter these risks, innovative approaches that combine prevention, early intervention and contextual and cultural relevance are required.Objective and Methods With a mission to prevent school dropout amongst primary school learners, Khula Development Group has addressed this challenge for over twenty years through a two-generation, school-embedded model that strengthens the well-being of learners, caregivers and teachers alike. Central to its SAGo2School Programme are safe-space classrooms led by facilitators trained and supervised by occupational therapists and social workers. Here, children access consistent social-emotional and developmental support. Teachers benefit from training in trauma- and neurodiversity-informed practices, while families are reached through home visits and psychosocial services that reinforce nurturing care. This integrated framework removes barriers both in households and classrooms, enabling children to remain engaged in their education.Results Findings from nine partner schools show that 84% of Foundation Phase learners initially identified as at-risk through Early Warning Systems successfully exit the programme, either due to good progress or after receiving the case management support required for further intervention.Expansion The model, rooted in local community structures, demonstrates strong potential for national expansion. By linking schools, families and external services, Khula’s approach reframes schools as centres of holistic development, fostering equity and resilience for families in vulnerable contexts.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Khula Development Group, Paarl, South Africa"
      ],
      "name": "Naomi Beth Conolly"
    }
  ],
  "title": "144 A two-generation, community-based model to prevent early school dropout in South Africa",
  "uid": "e37fe9f7-9cbf-58c2-abd4-4143f090a2c8"
}