Mkhize explored the identification and mobilisation of resources in schools within the context of rurality. Contrary to discourses that pathologise rurality, the study found that the selected schools have strong cultural, human and social-organisational capital through which resources can be mobilised.

The study highlights the important role that local community leaders and organisations such as churches can play in resource mobilisation to sustain schools in rural communities. It also acknowledges that on-going, unchallenged power relations continue to create deficit thinking among rural school stakeholders which hampers resource mobilisation.

While the study found that there is awareness of the existence of resources, it notes that a change in mindset is required to place rural stakeholders at the centre of resource mobilisation activities.