Project – EFFECT OF CHILD LABOR ON ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE:

INTODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

The impact of child labor on the attendance and academic performance of secondary school students has garnered considerable attention in educational research. Studies indicate that children engaged in labor often experience significant disruptions in their schooling, leading to lower attendance rates. According to Dube (2021), child laborers frequently miss classes due to work obligations, resulting in incomplete learning experiences and diminished educational outcomes. Furthermore, the time spent in labor reduces the time available for homework and study, which adversely affects students’ academic performance. The correlation between attendance and academic success is well-documented, suggesting that consistent school attendance is crucial for achieving better educational results (Adegoke, 2019).

In addition to attendance issues, the cognitive and psychological effects of child labor can hinder academic performance. Research by Kambole (2020) reveals that children engaged in labor often experience fatigue and stress, which can impair their concentration and motivation in the classroom. These factors can contribute to lower grades and an increased likelihood of school dropout. Furthermore, socio-economic conditions often compel children into labor, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that further limits educational attainment (Alam & Mahmud, 2018). Thus, addressing child labor not only has implications for educational policy but also for broader socio-economic development, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that tackle both child labor and educational access.

Project – EFFECT OF CHILD LABOR ON ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS