Influence of economic deprivation on motivation and engagement of students from rural single parent home, Assin Nsuta

Abstract

This study examined the effect of economic deprivation on students’ motivation and engagement in rural single-parent households in selected basic schools in Assin Nsuta. The research aimed to explore how financial hardship influences students’ access to educational resources, attendance, participation, and academic performance. A quantitative descriptive design was employed, using questionnaires to collect data from ninety-six respondents selected through census sampling. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations with SPSS. Findings revealed that although most students from single-parent households had school uniforms, they faced serious deprivation in textbooks, stationery, meals, and transportation. These financial challenges adversely affected attendance, participation in extra classes, and concentration during lessons, leading to low academic achievement and reduced social engagement. The study concludes that economic deprivation remains a major obstacle to educational equity, limiting learning opportunities and holistic development. It is recommended that school managers and education stakeholders implement support initiatives like textbook banks, subsidised meal schemes, and transportation aid to close the resource gap, improve student participation, and enhance learning outcomes for students from single-parent households.