Parental Involvement in Reducing Learner Absenteeism at Primary School

Learner absenteeism is among the problems most Zambian schools are facing today, yet parental involvement is basic in reducing learner absenteeism. Although some parents and certain sectors of society view learner absenteeism as a problem that only affect schools and learners, attendance issues do not only affect school, but families, communities and society as well. No matter how well trained and committed teachers schools may have, it is practically impossible to achieve the goal of ensuring that learners succeed academically without regular attendance by learners. It is therefore imperative that educators and parents take into consideration the fact that learners are not only part of the school community, but the community outside the school grounds as well, hence the need to collaborate in ensuring good attendance. This book is all about how reducing learner absenteeism requires the involvement of parents, which can be enhanced if schools are willing to conduct a wide range of involvement activities that involve families and community partners to urge and support learner attendance.