Abstract:
The out-migration of parents is believed to be for the advancement of children and families left behind. However, its impact on the education of left-behind children has been disregarded in Mzimba District, Malawi. This study, parental out-migration to South Africa and its impact on the education of left-behind children, examined its effects in the migration-prone areas in Mzimba South Education District. This was prompted by the public outcry over the deteriorating standards of primary education in the district despite government’s efforts to improve performance in schools through initiatives such as Malawi Education Reform Programmes (MAREP). The study adopted Ecological Systems Theory (EST). The theory describes children’s development as occurring within series of linking systems. The child’s relationship with his or her parents or teacher represents the child’s microsystem. The mesosystem illuminates the relationship that exists between teachers in the school and parents in homes. The study further employed constructivist’s paradigm and qualitative research approach. It also employed the phenomenological case study design which sought to understand the phenomenon under study. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), document analysis and semi-structured interviews methods and participants were selected through purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Responses were voice recorded, transcribed and finally coded. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic data analysis to ensure thorough description of the study findings. To ensure trustworthiness of study findings, the researcher used piloting, member checking, peer debriefing and methodological triangulation. Ethically, approval was sought from MZUNIREC and consent was obtained from relevant authorities. Participants were informed of the purpose of the research and were assured of confidentiality and anonymity, and that participation was voluntary. Findings of the study suggest that parental absence due to migration is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, remittances help to increase the family’s spending power, which results in increased educational outlay. On the other hand, the negative influences overshadow the positive impacts; cases of absenteeism, indiscipline and dropout were high among left-behind children.
Key words: parental out-migration, parental involvement, left- behind children, education.
