Assessment of Parental Involvement in Bursary Schemes: A Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools of Northern Education Division

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess parental involvement in the management of secondary school bursary schemes in Northern Education Division. The study employed a qualitative case study design grounded in constructivist worldview. Interview guides, document analysis and observations were used to collect data. Results and discussions followed a thematic analysis approach. The results of the study indicate that parents of bursary beneficiaries are not involved in the administration of their wards’ bursary programs. Hindering factors to parental involvement include, favouritism by school administrators in selection of needy students, lack of clear policy on parental participation in bursaries, school culture and low levels of education in most parents of bursary beneficiaries. Nevertheless, parents have important roles in management of bursary programs. Their participation has advantageous outcomes to students’ academic development. Findings indicate that parents are the best advisors of their wards’ academic progress. Parents can speak the truth about their economic status which would be the best determining factor for selection of needy students. Parental participation in their wards’ bursary programs enhances a sense of ownership and responsibility over their wards and prevents favouritism by school managers when selecting needy students. Parental involvement would improve learners’ academic performance and general conduct, hence bursaries would positively benefit beneficiaries. This study recommends that the Ministry of Education reviews its policy on the guidelines for selection of bursary recipients to ensure that parents or guardians of beneficiaries have roles to play in the management of bursary programs.