Abstract
M.Ed.
This research essay is an attempt to ascertain the perceptions of educators on how living in an informal settlement affects the quality of secondary school education. The setting for the study was schools in Etwatwa informal settlement. The study explores through the combination of interviews and direct observation what educators perceptions are about the issue. The study soughts to find out whether living in an informal settlement effects the
quality of education for secondary school pupils. Research findings reveal that the
quality of education in secondary schools situated in formal settlements differs from the quality of education in secondary schools that are situated in informal settlements.
Research findings suggest that many learners in informal settlements secondary schools, experience more socio-economic problems such as child-abuse, lack of parental care, poverty, violence and crime in their area and homes. Evidence also reveal that many children live in highly congested homes where it is almost impossible to study. These factors impact in a negative way on their schooling.