Challenges Faced by Students with Illiterate Parents: Insights from Teachers – An Interview Study Using Thematic Analysis

Although, the education system has done some work in the field of education for children with disadvantaged backgrounds in India, it has its own share of shortcomings. This paper qualitatively analyses the challenges of children with illiterate parents in private schools in India under the 25% reservation for the underprivileged through (RTE Act of 2009). Insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with experienced teachers from an English medium private school in Dehradun, India. Themes identified through thematic analysis were irregularity at school, inferiority complex, parents Illiteracy, additional academic assistance and the pandemic challenge. These findings emphasize that the capacity of disadvantaged parent/caregiver to provide a wholesome, nurturing and conducive environment is highly challenging in a country like India. The challenges include a combination of poverty, lack of education and skills, as well as social isolation. This paper suggests areas for policy implementations and areas for future research.