THE IMPACT OF KENTE WEAVING ON CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IN THE AGBOZUME COMMUNITY IN THE VOLTA REGION

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of traditional Kente weaving on children’s education at Agbozume in the Ketu south district. The study employed a mixed method descriptive survey where a total of 109 respondents comprising with 60 students, 43 parents and 6 teachers were sampled randomly (but teachers purposefully sampled). Both questionnaires and structured interview guide were used to gather data comprehensively. The results indicated that, majority (about 77%) of the children are not regular in attending schools because of their involvement in Kente weaving during school hours. The educational and the income levels of parents and guardians have a significant influence on how regular their children are in school. Most pupils cannot perfectly combine the Kente weaving and trade with their education but unfortunately some were simply compelled by their guardians to do so or for the fact that they were born into a family of Kente weavers. I therefore recommended that, The NCCE and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection must come to the rescue of the Kente weaving communities where childrens fundamental human rights are abused and educated and prosecuted where necessary, single parents and other vunerable individuals should be empowered with other skills that will not necessary put their children’s education in jeopardy. District assembly and the central government should reach out to the Kente weaving communities with social intervention policies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the education directorate should also have their respective roles to play to change the perception and practice of parents and to value the education.