Parental involvement in the provision of education: a case of three selected community primary schools of Chisamba District, Zambia.

Abstract

The study investigated parental involvement in the provision of education in three selected community primary schools in Chisamba District. The objectives of the study were to; investigate ways through which Parents get involved in the provision of education, establish the benefits of parental involvement in the provision of education, ascertain challenges faced by parents in their involvement of providing education and suggest measures that should be put in place to improve parental involvement in the provision of education in three selected community primary schools in Chisamba District. The study evoked qualitative approach using a descriptive research design. A total sample of 38 participants consisting of 15 parents, 15 pupils, 3 head teachers, 3 teachers, 1 DEBS and 1 Zonal Insert Coordinator were purposefully and conveniently drawn from three community primary schools in Chisamba District. Data was collected through interview guides and focus group discussions. Analysis of data was done thematically. The findings from the study revealed that parents got involved through participation in PTA meetings, helping children with school-home works, attending school disciplinary cases and engaging them in school projects. As regards the benefits, the study reported that parents’ involvement improved school attendance, brought about more suggestions, improved behaviour in learners, built a cordial relationship between school and community, increased awareness of school activities and improved school-homework policy. The major challenges faced in parental involvement were that, parents were too busy, lacked information, transport, resources and communication from schools. Based on the findings of the study, three major recommendations emerged: Government through the Ministry of General Education (MoHE) should provide adequate funding to these community schools, collaborate with Parent Teacher Association (PTA)and other private sectors in supporting such schools and make available teaching and learning resources in order to make teaching and learning possible. Additionally, well established community and government schools should be giving assistance to such schools in order to improve the delivery of education.