The factors that impact on the primary school education of children left behind by cross-border circular emigrants in a poor rural community are examined. Data collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions from the emigrants’ children, their teachers, guardians or parents and from community leaders gave insight into these factors. The findings showed that the main factor impacting positively on the education of the emigrants’ children was the ability of the parents to support their children’s education financially. The separation of the emigrants’ children from their parents was a factor that impacted most negatively on their education. © 2016 Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC).

Zimbabwe Education Factors Cross-border migration Circular migration

international migration Gwanda Matabeleland South rural area Zimbabwe primary education Child Development parental care immigrant population