Influence Of Parental Child Neglect On Education Wastage Among Grade Two Children In Muvuti Sub- County, Kenya

Education is fundamental for human development and economic growth. All children have a right to quality education. Education is key to every government both globally and nationally. However, much of the resources invested in education have been wasted due to many factors. This study sought to investigate the influence of parental child neglect on educational wastage among grade two pupils. This was achieved through the assumption that Physical, emotional and educational neglect by parents may affect a child’s education. Education wastage is revealed through school dropout, repetition, performance and absenteeism from school. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalent types of parental child neglect among grade two pupils; to find out whether parental child neglect influences educational wastage among grade two pupils and to explore the measures schools have adopted to curb parental child neglect in Machakos County. The study was guided by UrieBronfenbrenner Ecological System Theory which states that a child’s environment affects how the child grows and develops. The conceptual framework adopted in this study takes the assumption that the child’s family need to provide an environment conducive for his or her education. The study target population was 29 schools, 29 head teachers, 153 teachers, 2310 learners, and 2310 parents. However, the study purposively sampled 10 public schools, 10 head teachers, 15 teachers, 150 children, and 150 parents. The study adopted descriptive research design. A questionnaire for teachers, head teachers and parents and interview guide for children was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs, and narratives. The study found that 51% of the children experienced educational neglect, 40% encountered physical neglect and 9% suffered from emotional neglect. The main recommendation is that parents should be advised on the importance of ensuring that their children are always in school.