The Power of Community Interventions in Promoting Parental Involvement

Abstract

The paper focises on how Parental involvement plays a pivotal role in enhancing the education and wellbeing of children (Abuya et al., 2019; Fan & Chen, 2001; Wilder, 2014). Studies show that a unit increase in parental participation significantly increases students� numeracy scores by 6 and 15 percentage points and 6 and 12 percentage points in literacy scores (Mahuro & Hungi, 2016). Also, where parents are involved, students report more effort, concentration and interest in learning. They reportedly pursue challenging tasks, persist through academic challenges, and are motivated to participate in literacy activities voluntarily (Gonzalez-DeHass et al., 2005). Studies also recommend that if both parents are involved, the academic gains for their children are likely to be higher (Perriel, 2015). Parental involvement, monitoring and a positive parent-child relationship are also associated with a reduced likelihood of engaging in sexual activity, experiencing sexual violence and engaging in drug and substance use (Kassa et al., 2018; Pilgrim & Blum, 2012). Children who discuss the importance of education and future academic plans with their parents also tend to do better emotionally (Wang & Sheikh-Khalil, 2014).