The relationship between parents' low level of education and school dropouts in Kampala district

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the relationship between parents’ education level and school dropouts in the area of Katwe-Kinyolo. The study was guided by three objectives which included; identifying how parental education attainment leads to school dropout in Katwe-Kinyolo area, finding out how parental involvement in school lead to school dropout in Katwe-kinyolo area and establishing other causes of school dropout other than parental educational level in Katwe-Kinyolo area The study used across sectional survey research design where data was gathered once from Katwe- Kinyolo area. This design described the phenomena undertaken in order to ascertain and be able to describe the characteristics of the variables of interest. The study used a sample size of 50 respondents out of the target population and who in this case were; parents, children, LC Chairman, community leaders and teachers who were selected purposively.Semi-structured interview guides were the main instruments of data collection and data was analysed using frequencies and percentages, using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Findings indicated that parental education attainment leads to school dropout in Katwe-Kinyolo through lack of ability of parents assisting children with homework, lack of ability to read for children, lack of regular discussion about school work and lack of education experience to convey to their children. The study findings also indicated that parents can get involved in children’s education through attending parent-teacher meetings, making sure children’s homework is done in time, demonstrate a positive attitude about education to your children and encourage children to read. The other causes of school dropout other than parental educational level were identified as Pregnancy and Parenthood, Boredom, Academic Struggles, Money, Lack of Parental Support. In conclusion, parents need to develop and work toward future goals. Doing so can help him or her stay committed to attending school. Teens contemplating dropping out or worse often feel like they have no future. Installing a look towards the future and a focus on goals lets them know that even a failing grade or extra time in school is a short term problem