Family-economic status and learners’ retention, a case study of selected primary schools in Katooke sub- county Kyenjojo district Uganda.

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing the relationship between family economic status and pupil`s retention in selected primary schools in Katooke Sub County, Kyenjojo District. The study was guided by three objectives: To examine the influence the family economic status on retention of learners in selected primary schools in Katooke sub- county, To determine the influence of family size on the retention of learners in the selected primary schools in Katooke sub county, Kyenjojo district and to analyze the relationship between parental education and learners` retention in the selected primary schools in Katooke sub -county, Kyenjojo district, Uganda. The descriptive research design was used in this study. The target population for this study was 92 participants who included head teachers, parents teachers association committee and teachers from Katooke sub county Kyenjojo district. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from interviews with school administrators, teachers, and parents. The findings an objective one indicate that families with higher economic status generally experience higher rates of learner retention due to better access to educational resources and a supportive learning environment. In contrast, students from economically disadvantaged families face challenges such as school dropouts and irregular attendance. The study highlighted the need for targeted interventions and policies to support economically disadvantaged families, aiming to improve educational outcomes and retention rates. These findings underscore the importance of addressing economic disparities to enhance educational equity and stability in primary education settings. The study recommended that the government and other development actor should help to extend capacity building service through trainings especially farmers to improve family income; parents should be encouraged to provide relevant scholastic materials to their children. There should be community sensitization about the value of educating a child to improve parents` involvement in education activities that will accelerate pupils ` retention in schools. Family planning methods should be adopted by most family members to reduce birth rates so as to enable parents produce children they can care carter for.