Influence of Occupation on Direct and Indirect Involvement in Children's Early Literacy Development in Thika Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Education is fundamental to development of human resource capacities for sustainable economic growth and development. Imparting skills and knowledge in the early years ensures expansion offuture human capabilities ensures increased labour productivity and enhances participation and sustainability in nation building. Education is a vital tool in achieving greater autonomy, industry, and empowerment of children. Such values can only be. instilled in early childhood (Years 1-8). These years forms the foundation of future learning and achievements in education. According to literature, the first teacher of the child is the parent. However, most of the studies show that the extent of mothers and other female caregivers' involvement in emerging literacy has been investigated over the years in both developed and developing countries. Research onfathers' contribution to the child's early literacy development in developing countries has not been adequately investigated and documented. Available literature about Kenyanfathers has documented the traditional view offather as not being directly involved in young children. But the changes in the family structure cannot go unnoticed. This study focused onfathers as respondents in their role in early literacy. The study endeavored to examine the challenges that could be influencing current father's involvement in early child literacy development. Key words: occupation, involvement, literacy