Factors that motivate and encumber parental participation in children’s education in Ghana

ABSTRACT While some parents actively participate in their children’s education, others have been passive in playing this role. This qualitative research was conducted with parents of pupils in a Basic School as well as the teachers of primary classes four, five and six. Participants were purposively sampled due to their experience and knowledge in issues related to parents’ participation and non-participation in their children’s education. Findings revealed that parental participation stems from some parents’ belief that their active participation in their children’s education is part of their training. Barriers to parental participation in their children’s education include the high cost of living, which keeps parents preoccupied with economic ventures, and low self-esteem due to some parents’ illiteracy, which makes them feel they cannot offer much besides paying their children’s school fees. The authors recommend that school authorities include parents in planning programmes in which parents are expected to participate.