Exploring the Impact of Parental Absence on Students Academic Achievement

Several perspectives have been conveyed every time that parental absence is in discourse. This qualitative study offered some valuable stances on the experiences of the learners in their academic journey in the absence of parents and how this condition creates an impact on their academic progress. The challenges encountered in the absence of parents and how they cope with them are also vital features of this research work. The accounts shared by the informants disclosed their challenging academic journey as evidenced by a mix of self-directed learning, feelings of exclusion, and reliance on alternative support networks for academic assistance. They are exposed to the negative impacts of parental absence, including difficulty with homework, managing academic duties, and underachievement. They have limited financial resources, and restricted opportunities for recognition and awards and some of them are deficient in numeracy and literacy. They are able to cope with those circumstances by seeking support from friends, engaging in hobbies, and connecting online. Noting such concerns that the research informants have been dealing with, interventions to support learners in the absence of parents including peer networks, academic support, mental wellness resources, and family collaboration are proposed.