Academic Literature Review

Although successes have been achieved in providing primary and at least some secondary education to the youth, the drop-out rates in the higher grades of secondary education especially, is a matter of concern. The observed higher drop-out rates in the post-compulsory school phase is a contributing factor to youth unemployment. There is a strong empirical link between educational attainment and labour market success. It is of critical importance to analyse the reasons why youths drop out of education so as to identify possible policy interventions to assist the youth to continue their education and thereby enhance their employability and quality of life There is a large group of young people who are inactive – they are neither working, nor studying. This is a major loss to the economy, and presents social challenges. Attached, the evidence on this group is presented. The main purpose of this literature review is to summarize the extent of this problem and highlight current interventions for persons in the 18 to 24 age cohort who are the most marginalised and in need of support to promote their optimal economic participation. This is an academic piece and therefore the correct Harvard style referencing is required.