Partnership Roles Played by Parents to Promote Retention in Primary Schools in Busoga Region, Uganda: Children’s Views

Immaculate Emurugat – School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Kyambogo University
Lawrence Eron – Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation, Kyambogo University
Maria Goretti Kaahwa – Faculty of Education, Kyambogo University
Gaite Sofia – College of Education, Kampala International University
Email: macuemu@yahoo.com

Abstract: The study analyzed the views of children on the partnership roles played by their parents that best promote their retention in primary schools in Busoga Region, Uganda. A total of 71 respondents who were in and out of school were involved in the study. Data was collected using focus group discussion and in-depth individual interview. Validity and reliability were confirmed through Factor Analysis and Cronbach Alpha test. Descriptive analysis involved the use of means and frequencies, while thematic content analysis was used for the qualitative data. The results revealed that attending meetings, talking to teachers, paying fees, and contributing to development of the school are the best partnership roles that were played by parents to promote retention in primary schools. In conclusion, partnership roles were an important element that influenced the retention of the children in primary schools. It was recommended that head teachers and administrators of districts should put emphasis on sensitizing the parents on their partnership roles which included attending meetings, talking to teachers, paying fees and contributing to development of the school to promote retention of children.