Parental involvement in school activities in South Africa to the mutual benefit of the school and the community

Abstract

This article reports on an investigation into parental involvement in school activities. The study employed the quantitative approach of data collection, using a questionnaire comprising a profile of respondents, which included their parental involvement in school activities, their satisfaction with the school, their knowledge of legal rights and responsibilities and their involvement with, and concern about, their children's education. The mothers of learners were found to be more involved in the school life of their children than were the fathers. The findings also show that parents are more comfortable with private, rather than with public, involvement. The parents showed much satisfaction with the significant improvement of their relations with the educators, with the former having come to perceive the latter as part of their community. The parents were found to be extremely knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities.