Understanding factors influencing parental involvement in the education of their children at a TVET college in the KwaZulu-Natal Province

Abstract

Little is known about how parents of children in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges view and contribute to their education. The focus of this study was to investigate factors that influenced parental involvement (PI) at a selected TVET college in KwaZulu-Natal. A qualitative technique was used and interviews with parents, learners, and a focus group with lecturers, were conducted, which contributed to the understanding and perceptions of the college-parent relationship. The study found that socio-economic factors and, in certain circumstances, a complete absence of communication with parents were the main obstacles that inhibited parental involvement in TVET colleges. Additionally, it appears that the college did not provide parents opportunities to interact with and support the college community, with distance being a major factor. Accordingly, the study recommends that the institution create policies outlining how parents should be involved, engage in parents’ meetings, organise open days, and maintain open lines of communication.