BETWEEN SCHOOL DROPOUT AND PERMANENCE: TRAJECTORIES OF STUDENTS IN THE YOUTH AND ADULTS OF THE SANTO ANTÔNIO INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IN NOVA IGUAÇU
Youth and Adult Education. Dop out. Permanence. Experiences
Youth and Adult Education (YAE) represents an educational modality of fundamental relevance in the reintegration of the right to education for those who were unable to complete basic education. The research proposes an in-depth investigation into the diversity of school trajectories of students in the process of schooling at EJA at the Educational Institution in the Municipality of Nova Iguaçu – IESA, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The main objective is to more deeply understand the profile and educational experiences of this specific audience. With regard to specific objectives, the study seeks to understand the perceptions, experiences and realities of IESA students in their life and schooling processes. The students' experiences were analyzed, considering not only the educational environment, but also the different contexts that influence their trajectories. Another fundamental point of the research is the identification of the conditions, obstacles and facilitators faced by IESA students in the balance between access, dropout and retention at school, in order to obtain a comprehensive overview of the challenges that students face when seeking education at YAE modality. The methodology consisted of applying 10 questionnaires to young people and adults who attend EJA at IESA. Finally, it was concluded that, with a significant majority of women, representing 80% of the 10 interviewees, mainly over 60 years old, school dropout was predominantly motivated by the need to work, highlighting economic pressure as a decisive factor. Other reasons included lack of interest in studying, learning difficulties and social issues such as early pregnancy. Some students chose to return to studies at an advanced age, seeking knowledge, with encouragement from family members and spouses, and aiming for independence and better job opportunities. The research also revealed that school dropout transcends a pedagogical issue, being influenced by economic, social and individual factors, suggesting the need for improvements in public policies and educational practices to overcome the various barriers faced by YAE students.