Parents' and teachers' perspectives on the government lunch policy and its effects on pupils' motivation in upe schools: a case study of Bulera-Musaale sub-county Mityana district, Uganda

Abstract

This study sought to find out the perspectives of parents and teachers on the government lunch policy and to establish its effect on pupils' motivation to study in UPE schools in Bulera Musaale sub-county, Mityana District. The study was guided by three specific objectives namely; to find out (i) parents' and (ii) teachers' perspectives on whose responsibility it was to provide mid day meals at school, and (iii) to establish the effect of the government lunch policy on pupils' school motivation. Perspectives were conceptualised as views, feelings, opinions and judgement in regard to the policy while pupils' motivation was conceptualised in form of school enrollment, attendance, afternoon attendance, classroom behaviour, school survival and completion. A co-relational research design guided the study using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. A sample of 56 teachers, 30 parents and 150 pupils participated in the study. Questimmaires, interview guides, observation guides and document check lists were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Pearson's Linear Co relational Coefficient (r) was used to detem1ine the magnitude, significance and direction of the relationship between the lunch policy as the independent variable and pupils' motivation as the dependent variable. The study found out that most of the pupils in UPE schools went without lunch at school and their parents wanted government to take over the responsibility of feeding pupils at school. However, teachers remained divided on who should be responsible for feeding pupils at school, with a slight majority in for parents as opposed to government. The study also established that the policy indeed reduced the motivation of pupils to study. There was a marked decline in pupils' enrolment and attendance, pupils' classroom attention, concentration, and participation in the afternoon sessions was low. There was also a high school dropout rate and low completion of the primary school cycle. The researcher therefore concluded that the policy has failed to meet its objectives and needs amendment, for government to compel parents to pay for their children's feeding at school. The study therefore recommended massive sensitisation and mobilisation of parents by the Central and Local governments' leaders, and school managers to enable parents appreciate their responsibility to feed children at school. It was also recommended that the government should review the policy and compel parents to pay mandatory lunch fees for all pupils to be fed on better and nutritious meals at school.