Exploring the role of family engagement in high school dropout prevention in Paraguay : parental persepectives and experiences
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This qualitative study explores how families in rural Paraguay perceive their role in preventing high school dropouts focusing on their beliefs, daily practices, and the barriers they face. Using a phenomenological approach, six caregivers of at-risk high school students participated in semi-structured interviews and shared their lived experiences which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that families see themselves as central actors in their children's educational persistence, supporting them through emotional encouragement, daily routines, and constant communication with schools. Challenges included economic hardship, lack of transportation, and caregiving responsibilities, which often limited caregivers' ability to stay engaged. Participants emphasized the importance of stable family environments and advocated for practical support such as financial aid and more flexible institutional policies. The findings align with Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, illustrating how factors at the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystem levels influence dropout prevention. This study offers new perspectives for policymakers and educators aiming to foster stronger family-school partnerships through holistic interventions that place families at the center of school retention strategies.
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M.A.