A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON PARENTAL SUPPORT AND STUDENTS’ RETENTION IN UNIVERSAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL DIVISION, KOTIDO MUNICIPALITY, UGANDA.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v2i5.96Keywords:
Parental Support, Student Retention, Universal Secondary Education (USE), Kotido MunicipalityAbstract
Background
The Kotido District Education Ordinance aims to boost enrollment and retention by mobilizing local leaders to encourage school attendance. This study examined the relationship between parental Support and Student retention in Universal Secondary Schools in Central Division, Kotido Municipality, Uganda.
Methodology
Using a cross-sectional research design, data were gathered from a sample of 329 respondents drawn from 1,108 students, teachers, and Headteachers through questionnaires, interviews, and documentary reviews. The study focused on three dimensions of parental support: emotional support, financial support, and educational guidance.
Results
142 respondents (64.55%) identified as male, and 189 individuals (85.91%) were 15–19. Findings revealed strong positive and statistically significant relationships between emotional support (r = 0.611) and educational guidance (r = 0.638) with student retention, and a moderate positive relationship with financial support (r = 0.489), all significant at p < 0.01.
A Senior Teacher said, “We’ve noticed that students whose parents show interest in their school life tend to perform better. Unfortunately, that number is small. Many parents don’t ask about homework or academic progress. They rarely celebrate their children’s successes or encourage them during challenges. This emotional gap makes students feel alone in their educational journey. They often say, ‘My parents don’t care whether I pass or fail.’ It’s heartbreaking.”
Conclusion
These results suggest that students are more likely to stay in school when they receive consistent emotional encouragement, financial assistance, and academic guidance from their parents.
Recommendations
Emotional support should be enhanced through parental training on empathy and student well-being.
Financial support be strengthened through school-based savings schemes and bursary programs; and educational guidance be improved via regular parent-teacher collaboration, academic counseling, and career awareness initiatives. Collectively, these strategies can foster a supportive learning environment.
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