Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to assess the role of volunteerism
as a parental involvement strategy in the achievement of core
competencies among learners in public primary schools in
Nandi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Joyce Epstein’s
Model of parental involvement. The sample size comprised 293
participants who included 6 sub-county education officers, 24
head teachers, and 263 parents. Multistage sampling was used
to determine the schools to take part in the study. The study
adopted multistage sampling. The research instruments used in
collecting data were questionnaires for parents and interview
schedules for Sub-County education officers and head teachers.
Validity was tested through factor analysis, while the Crobanch
Alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of the
questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using
descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in the form
of figures and tables. Qualitative data was analysed using
thematic analysis. The study results showed that volunteerism
as a parental involvement strategy had a positive linear effect
on the achievement of core competencies among learners in
public primary schools (β=0.432, p=0.000). The role of parental
volunteerism is invaluable in creating a supportive and
enriching educational environment in public primary schools.
The study recommends that the schools’ management boards
establish structured programs that promote and recognize
parental volunteerism, fostering a collaborative environment
that enhances students' academic journey.
