Mentoring programmes in Cape Town youth hubs aim to reduce dropout rates among high school students who have already fallen behind their peers. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, focus group discussions, and administrative data analysis to assess programme impact on student engagement and performance. Dropout rates decreased by 25% among mentored students compared to those not enrolled in the programmes. Academic achievement scores improved by an average of 10% for participants who completed the mentoring process. Mentoring programmes significantly mitigated dropout risks and enhanced academic performance, particularly evident in numeracy and literacy skills. Expanding access to these programmes should be prioritised as a cost-effective strategy to improve educational outcomes among vulnerable youth.
Mngeni et al. (Sat,) studied this question.