Community response to universal primary education arrangement and the academic performance in primary schools: a case study of Kabasekende subcounty-Kibaale district Uganda.

Abstract

The study assessed community response to universal primary education arrangement and the academic performance in primary schools. A case study of kabasekende sub-county Kibaale district Uganda. The following objectives guided the study; to find out the level of education of community members, to establish the availability of role models in selected communities of Kabasekende sub county, to evaluate the level of response of the community towards provision of scholastic materials to their pupils and its effect on the academic performance of pupils in Kabasekende sub county in Kibaale district. The study used a case study design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population consisted of 234 respondents, from whom a sample of 193 was drawn. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview guide. The responses from the questionnaires were computer coded and analyzed in SPSS version 21.0 to generate descriptive statistical information which was presented in form of percentages and frequencies. The data obtained from interviews was analyzed qualitatively using content and discourse analysis. The study found out that; parents’ level of education influences pupil academic performance in that where parent is educated, they are the first encouragers for their pupils, while illiterate parents may not have the ability to encourage their children to academically perform better. The study further found out that marital status of parents was found to be significant because it influences atmosphere for the children to achieve academic performance as it was compared to single parents’ home, also the fact that a two-parent home offer better results than single parent home. Lastly the study found out that family income is also the most important influence on pupil academic performance where it’s a single parent, poor or rich, married, as longer as they have income to support the education of their Children, the children are most likely to academically perform better. The study concluded that community back ground in terms of parent level of education, role models and provision of scholastic materials by parents affected the academic achievement in Universal primary education in Kabasekende sub county -Kibaale district. The study recommended that school foundation bodies and government should consider starting boarding section on Universal primary education schools. Lunch policy should strictly be followed; it was observed that most pupils do not park lunch; or else, Government should consider providing lunch to all pupils. The researcher further recommended government improve on the Universal Primary Education program by making it compulsory to all primary school going pupils; where by laws forcing pupils to go to school are in acted and strictly followed