The effect of insufficent job opportunities on school leavers in the Eastern Free State

[摘要] English: The lack of job opportunities for school leavers has a major impact on their future aspirations and adult development, affecting their emotional and social behaviour. The global phenomena to exclude a great number of school leavers to be absorbed in the country's economic growth foster feelings of detachment, lack of aspirations and motivation with no aim or future prospects. The purpose of the research is to investigate the effect of lack of opportunities through the use of selected information, as well as an overview on the theories on work according to Erikson, Maslow and Kohlberg. Erikson's psychosocial theory takes into consideration factors that impact on the social and cultural components of an individual's developmental experiences. Maslow, the founder of humanistic psychology in America holds society responsible for the fulfillment of human needs while Kohlberg's Cognitive Developmental Approach to psychology advocated by some that emphasise feelings and emotions and the better understanding of the self in terms of evaluation of oneself and one's relations with other. Adolescent Morality describes the nature of general rights such as individual rights, human dignity, equality, contractual agreement and mutual obligations. Moral behaviour is motivated by a concern for the welfare of the larger community and a desire for community respect. During adolescence sub-stages of explorations are identified regarding work and career expectations indicating a strong relationship between selfconcept and career choice. Differences in social class might influence adolescents to have different expectations. The reality of their choices depends on the degree of relation between personal characteristics and the requirements and the demands of the preferred career, the current and projected employment supply and demand status, and importantly, the adequacy of the educational plan by which this would be implemented. A variety of factors may influence the reality of career choice. Inadequate information to youths, especially in rural areas might reflect a comparatively low level of aspiration. To most people to work is to perform a task in exchange for remuneration in order to take care of themselves, families and society. In a developing country like South Africa, formal employment could be limited and people often have to involve themselves in diverse informal activities to earn a living. A historic overview indicated four successive phases stretching over centuries. The 'Information Processing stage has become information intensive, instead of labour intensive; the employee's usefulness now lies in valueadded knowledge and skills. Various factors could influence adolescents choosing a job or embarking on a career including personal attributes, self-esteem, identity formation and scholastic and academic performance. Ethnic and/or racial background might be a major factor in the choice of a job or a career. Cultural beliefs and political decisions regarding equity, affirmative action and black empowerment equity influence the choice and future aspirations of school leavers. The media plays an active part in perceptions and the aspirations of school leavers. Both government and private sector benefit form school leavers and should collaborate towards creating opportunities for school leavers. The lack of job opportunities in the Eastern Free State is a reality that causes emotional and social problems, which should be urgently addressed. Over the last three years, an increasing number of learners have written national matric examinations but fewer have passed and fewer learners are accepted into tertiary institutions. Many more remain at home because they cannot afford the high tuition fees. The perennial problem of thousands of failed matric learners, unable to do anything meaningful with their lives is increasing. A baseline study indicated that in the Free State only 17% of all youths who were eligible for employment were in fact employed. Many were involved in criminal activities and a survey by the Human Research Council revealed that two thirds of those wanting to work simply could not find a job. An empirical research consisting of quantitative questionnaires to school leavers and qualitative interviews with principals and teachers was conducted to determine the influence of the lack of job opportunities the social and emotional development of adolescents and the impact thereof on society. The investigation also addressed possibilities to enable learners to cope with the given situation. The self-structured questionnaire was compiled to target Grade 9 learners, who after passing the senior phase could leave school and Grade 12 learners who wrote the national matric examinations in October 2006. A total of 214 school leavers from ten schools in the Eastern Free State participated. The age of these learners ranged between 15 and 19 years. Learners provided valuable input concerning biographical information about themselves, their parents and employment as well as career expectations and their perceptions on employment prospects in South Africa. An alarming 49.4% of school leavers felt that job opportunities in the Eastern Free State were not good and 56.4% felt either unsure or not positive about job opportunities in South Africa. Interviews conducted with principals and educators indicated that school leavers experienced more problems than in the past. Principals and educators gave reasons for possible causes of emotional and social problems amongst school leavers. Participants indicated that the lack of discipline, inadequate schooling, the lack of skills and insufficient preparation and guidance and support regarding possible careers, were the main causes contributing to uncertainty and frustration. Financial problems and limited support and involvement from parents, also played a major role in future aspirations. The information from the respondents and interviewees was analyzed and the findings were used to assist in making recommendations towards y improving the position of school leavers and assisting in their inclusion in the labour market. It is important that both the government and private sector should realize that in order to prevent the increase in social problems, urgent steps should be taken to address the lack of opportunities for school leavers.

[发布机构] University of the Free State