Learning losses experienced by disadvantaged primary school students in rural areas during school closure

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ABSTRACT Disadvantaged students are negatively affected by school closures due to factors such as holidays, natural disasters, and epidemics. Learning losses may occur with school closures. This research examines various aspects of learning losses due to school closures in disadvantaged primary school students in rural areas. Using qualitative research methods, data was collected through face-to-face interviews. Participants consisted of classroom teachers and school administrators (n = 50). Results found disadvantaged primary school students in rural areas were negatively affected by school closures and there was a decline in the reading, speaking, language, and mathematics skills of disadvantaged students. Early school leaving was observed over time, especially among female students, after school closures. Reinforcement programmes and projects are needed to eliminate and compensate for the learning losses of disadvantaged students.