Impact of migration mothers on the left behind school age children’s education performance: A case study in rural areas, Sri Lanka

Abstract

With a high number of migrant mothers as domestic workers and engaged in other employments in the Kurunegala District as in other districts of Sri Lanka, information on the education performance and welfare status of their left behind children reminds the need for a proper intervention. This study examines the key factors that affect the education performance of left behind school age children whose mothers have migrated. The study was conducted in Kotawehera, Rasnayakapura and Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat areas which are the high sending Divisions in Kurunegala District. An interviewer administered questionnaire and case study method were used to gather data. Univariate and multivariate analytical methods were used to analysis the data. Findings of the study reveal that the demographic and socio-economic profile of the migrated mothers and the children left behind are related to age, marital status, religion, educational level, income and expenditure and poverty. The study shows that nearly 60% of the children are female and 40% of the children are male, out of which 54% of the children are at the age of attending primary education. Further, the study has found a significant relationship between the migration of mothers and the impact on the education of the children who have been left behind. The marks obtained by the children are not significantly related to the teachers at their schools, but is related to the status of the migrant families at home. The roles of guardians and caregivers at home do not successfully help the children attain their education, physical and psychological well-being. Given the situation in the families where the mother has migrated, the fathers and elder people who stay at home should be responsible for the care and protection of the children left behind by their mothers.