Parental Involvement Towards Improving Girls’ Retention: A Case Of Selected Community Secondary Schools In Serengeti District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to identify the level of parental involvement level towards improving girls’ retention in secondary schools. The study mainly used qualitative research approach and was supported some elements of quantitative research approach. The study was undertaken at Serengeti district, Mara region. The study involved a sample of 76 respondents of 50 students, 20 parents, 5 SHs, and 1 DSEO. Students, SHs were selected using simple random sampling procedure, while parents and DSEO were selected using purposive sampling procedure. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary reviews.

Results from the study revealed that parental involvement helps to improve girls’ retention in secondary schools since parents have to pay for school contribution, building Hostels, provision of food services in community secondary schools, encourage girls to perform better in schools and also parents make follow-up on girls’ academic progress. On the other hand, it was found that urban parents were more aware and involved in their children’s education than rural parents. That was due to the fact that most of the urban parents value education for their children rather than rural parents.

On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that SHs and parents have to create girl-friendly learning environments so that girls should not be demoralized. Also there should be provision of incentives to the best performing girls. Parents and the community should lead in supporting girls’ education and schools should design a programme that will involve parents’ participation in improving girls’ retention in secondary schools.