Parental Role in the Learning Process of Children in Conflict-Affected Areas

This study adds meaningful insight to the limited knowledge on parental roles in conflict-affected areas and supports efforts to improve education for children in vulnerable settings. In light of the intensification of military conflicts in recent years, understanding how parents support their children’s education has become increasingly urgent. Parental role plays a crucial role in children’s educational success, yet in conflict-affected areas, this role faces significant challenges. This study investigates the factors associated with parental role in education within the Kurdish region of Iraq, an area characterised by displacement and ongoing regional conflicts. Using a correlational research design, this study explores the relationships between financial status, family size, child labour, and parental perspectives on learning responsibilities in shaping the parental role. Through a mixed-methods approach involving a survey of 567 parents (219 displaced and 348 from the host community), the research explores the complex dynamics of educational decision-making, child labour, and parental perspectives on learning responsibilities. The findings reveal that while most parents strongly support their children’s education, displaced parents are more likely to consider interrupting schooling due to immediate economic pressures. A significant correlation was found between financial status and educational intentions, with parents facing financial constraints more likely to consider their children’s school withdrawal. Interestingly, parents with larger families demonstrated a stronger commitment to educational continuity. The study emphasises a sophisticated comprehension of parental roles in knowledge acquisition and the joint responsibility of parents and teachers in moral and value education. These insights highlight the essential requirement for collaborative educational frameworks that are culturally relevant and assist families facing difficult socio-economic
circumstances.