Education remains the lifeblood of a thriving society. It catalyzes growth and development by fostering community advancement, self-actualization, and moral uprightness.
Within this context, rural education is a barometer measuring our collective commitment to equitable and sustainable development across diverse landscapes(sustainability-directory.com)
In Ghana, it has been a beacon of hope for rural communitiesregardless the challenges surrounding its delivery.It has contributed to education access and may yield learning proficiency as well as schools’ sustainability especially when there is high parental engagement.
Research
Hill and Taylor(2004) define parental engagement as parents’ active efforts to support their children’s learning at home and school, including cognitive and emotional support.
A research studyby Robert A. Ghanney (2020), titled ‘key forums for parental involvement in Basic Education: A case study of two rural schools in the Effutu Municipality, Ghana revealed that a positive parental attitude towards education, great parental support and motivation combine to enhance children’s progress in education.
Parental engagement occurs when there is behavioural involvement. This is the observable actions parents take related to the school environment and activities. Again, intellectual involvement, where parents engage in activities that support children’s learning and intellectual development, when at home. Moreover, personal involvement which focuses on emotional support and nurturing of parenting related to education(Grolnick and Slowiaczek., 1994).
Parental engagement gap
Parents are pillars of grace, honour and support for children, institutions and communities. In Ghana, their level of engagement towards schools and learners influences progress and stability. Parental engagement further encompasses ‘a greater commitment’ and ‘ownership of action’ in education(Goodall & Montgomery, 2014, p.400).
Unfortunately, observations in some rural householdsmay reveal that the engagement of some parents towards their children’s education and schools leaves much to be desired.
One day, a rural parent indicated to me that ‘he did not attend school yet owns large hectares of land for farming. Without education, his children can make it in life. He will rather have them working on farms for their daily sustenance than prioritize education.’
Rolleston, K., A., et al(2012) noted that rural teachers visit homes to convince parents to send their children to school. This effort sometimes proves futile.
Other parents believe that they were the brains behind a school’s establishment and even contributed lands and other material resources and so the school authorities have no right to dictate to them about decisions regarding their children and the school.
Parents do not attend school’s ceremonies or meetings such as Parent Association meetings. Again, they refuse to procure learning materials for their children let alone assist them with homework. Sometimes, teachers have to endure the physical and verbal assault from some parents especially when they try to chastise learners of any wrong doing.
Shocking
What is most shocking is that, in a conversation with a colleague national service personnel of a rural school, he revealed that during vacations some parents invade the school and splash human and animal excreta all over the classrooms. This is an attempt to make the school dysfunctional.
This pattern stirs up fear, anxiety and panic to staff which may lead to staff absence. Again, it contributes to learner absenteeism and school dropout rates.For instance, according to UNICEF Ghana(2016) rural girls from the poorest families average only 4 years of schooling compared to 13 years for wealthier urban girls.Learning attainment then hit rock bottom as gaps widen. Ultimately, Ghana may struggle to achieve the sustainable development goal4 (quality education).What may be blamed? Achanso, S. A., et al(2021) in their research report identified three primary systemic causes; illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and lack of appreciation for the value of education.
Final thoughts
The parental engagement gap is a threat to education equity in Ghana and may limit learners’ future opportunities. This phenomenon is a tough hurdle to cross. Notwithstanding, the enforcement of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education(FCUBE) in rural areas as well as regularly educating parents on the value of education and encouraging them may help curb this canker. Similarly, the government must ensure that learner commutes conveniently access schools with conducive learning environment.
BY Henry Atta Nyame
