Keeping The Flock: A Hermeneutic Study on Parents with Children at Risk of Dropping Out

Abstract

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of parents of Learners at Risk of Dropping Out (LARDO) at Gabas Integrated School and surrounding barangays in Baybay City Division. Guided by Martin Heidegger's philosophy, in-depth interviews with six purposively selected parents were conducted to understand the complex factors influencing their ability to support their children's education. The analysis reveals that these parents face severe challenges, including financial instability, lack of resources, and difficulties navigating the educational system. These struggles are encapsulated in two prominent themes: “Parenting in a Storm Without an Anchor,” highlighting profound feelings of isolation and helplessness, and “Tending a Flickering Flame in the Wind,” illustrating their persistent efforts to keep their children academically engaged despite overwhelming hardships. Underscoring the critical role of parental involvement in mitigating dropout rates, the study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions, including enhanced school-parent communication, expanded resource access, collaborative partnerships, and supportive policy changes to empower vulnerable families and foster a more inclusive educational environment.