CHAPTER 1 PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION Poverty persists as a significant issue globally, impacting countless individuals. One of its profound effects is on education, particularly evident in the academic journeys of the students, including those in Grade 10. At this critical juncture, foundational knowledge is formed, yet students grappling with extreme poverty face substantial stacles in accessing quality education. This study seeks to explore the intricate connection between extreme poverty and the academic performance of 10th graders, illuminating the challenges they confront and potential avenues support. By unraveling these complexities, stakeholders can device targeted interventions to nurture equitable learning environments for these vulnerable students. Education is considered a basic human right and a crucial avenue for braking the cycle of poverty. However, many students, especially those facing extreme poverty, encounter significant barriers to accessing quality education. The impact of extreme poverty on academic performance extends across various aspects, including cognitive development, emotional wellbeing, and overall achievement. This study aims to investigate the specific ways extreme poverty influences the educational experiences and academic progress of Grade 10 students. Grade 10 represents a critical stage in students academic journeys, marking a transition to higher education or employment. Examining the challenges faced by Grade 10 students living in extreme poverty is vital for crafting effective interventions and policies to ensure educational equity and social mobility. Through a mixed methods approach incorporating surveys, interviews, and academic assessments, we will explore the complex interplay of factors such as resource access, socioeconomic status, family dynamics, and community support systems in shaping the educational trajectories of Grade 10 students in extreme poverty. By amplifying the voices of affected students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, we aim to foster understanding, advocate for social justice, and empower marginalized communities demand equitable educational opportunities, systems in shaping the educational trajectories of Grade 10 students in extreme poverty. By amplifying the voices of affected students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, we aim to foster understanding, advocate for social justice, and empower marginalized communities to demand equitable educational opportunities. This research seeks to spur action and policy reforms addressing the root causes of poverty related educational success of Grade 10 students facing extreme poverty, we aim to unlock their potential and contribute to building a fairer and more prosperous society for future generations. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY To investigate how extreme poverty affects the academic performance of Grade 10 students, gather information through literature reviews, data collection on socioeconomic backgrounds, analysis of educational policies, case studies in affected communities, examination of psychological factors, interviews with educators, and exploration of long term consequences. This multifaceted approach will provide insights into the challenges students face and opportunities for support and intervention. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM (S.O.P) 1.What is the profile of the respondents in terms of the following: 1.1. Age; 1.2. Sex/Gender; 1.3. Grade level; 1.4. Section; 2.Does poverty contribute to the decline of your: 2.1. Mental health; 2.2. Aspirations; 2.3. Academic performance; 3.What impact on performance of the students does extreme poverty have in school in terms of: 3.1. General average; 3.2. Award attained; 3.3. Class ranking; 4.Is there significant relationship between extreme poverty and failure in academics? SIGNIFANCE OF STUDY To the students: Investigating the impact of extreme poverty on the academic performance of grade 10 students is important because it provides insights into how socioeconomic conditions influence learning outcomes. This research can guide the development of strategies to support these students and improve their educational achievements ultimately contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION Scope: This research focuses on academic performance of grade 10 students facing extreme poverty. It investigates various factors influencing learning outcomes, including resource accessibility home environment, and community support. The study explores potential strategies to alleviate the negative impact of poverty on learning. It targets a specific geographic area or demographic group four in depth analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be use for comprehensive data collection. Delimitation: The study excludes students from other grade levels to maintain focus on grade 10. It is limited to a specific geographic or socio-economic context for feasibility and relevance. Language and cultural barriers may affect data collection and interpretation. Time constraints may limit the duration or depth of the study. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases or limitation in the findings. DEFFINITION OF TERMS Juncture: Refers to critical point or moment in time where a decision, action, or change is necessary. It’s often a significant turning point or pivotal moment. Alleviate: means to make something less severe or to ease its intensity, typically referring to pain, suffering, or problem. Feasibility: refers to the practicality or viability of a project, plan, or idea. It assesses weather something is realistically of achievable within the constraints of resources, time and other factors. Profound: Typically refers to one that is deep, insightful, and meaningful, often revealing underlying truths or complexities about a subject. Trajectories: Refer to the paths or forces that objects, and entities, or systems follow through space or time. In physics trajectories often described the motion of particles or bodies under the influence of forces. In a boarder sense, trajectories can also described the development or progsession of events, ideas, or careers. Desparities: Desparities refer to differences or inequalities, often in terms of opportunities, access to resources, or outcomes that existing among different groups of people, such as racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or geographic groups. Prosperous: Refers to being successful, thriving, and having wealth or abundance in material goods, resources, or well-being. It often inplies economic and overall well-being. CHAPTER 2 Online reviews of related literature studies Extreme poverty can have a significant impact on the academic performance of grade 10 learners. A study Amato and Zu (1992) found that poverty can lead to increased stress, which can negatively affect cognitive functions and academic achievements. This is supported by the cognitive load theory, which suggests that stress source such as poverty can impare working memory and cognitive processing, making it difficult to concentrate and learn effectively (Sweller, 1988). Furtheremore, students living in extreme poverty often face additional challenges such as lack of access to educational resources, inadequate nutrition, and unstable living conditions, all of which can furthere hinder there academic performance (Bradley & Corwyn, 2002). Poverty is a global issue that has been in existence for many decades. According to Berger et al. (2018), poverty has different definitions depending on the context. Poverty can be defined as lack of material wealth and poor standards of living. It can also be defined as lack of economic resources or social exclusion. Poverty can lead to homelessness, an increase in health issues, and low academic achievement. There is widely known misconception that people are poor because of being lazy and lacking motivation. Families find themselves in poverty and without support and they keep living in poverty from generation to generation. Children who are born in neighborhoods where poverty level is high can experience poverty from childhood to adulthood, and the cycle continues. Poor neighborhoods are likely to expose children to violence, insecurity, abuse, and drug abuse (Berger et al., 2018).