Causes and Effects of Poverty on Academic Achievements of Rural Secondary School Students: Case of Tshazi Secondary School in Insiza District

Access to education is one of the important basic human rights in all societies. In Zimbabwe, the provision of education has been one of the most critical issues of government social policy especially since after independence in 1980. Poverty has however remained a stumbling block for most people to attain this basic right. This study sought to investigate the causes and effects of poverty on academic achievement in the Thandanani community in Insiza district. The study sought to expose the challenges poverty stricken students face in their quest for education, subsequently leading them to drop out of school. The methodology guiding this study was a case study. Data was gathered using questionnaires, face to face interviews and document analysis. The study revealed that death of breadwinners; unemployment and lack of education are the prime causes of poverty in the Thandanani community. The results of this study indicated that poverty negatively impacts on the academic achievement of students. The study therefore recommends that school authorities stagger payment of school fees in order to accommodate the less privileged students. The study further recommends that the donor community channel resources to education and feed students who came from impoverished backgrounds.