Hearing young children's experiences during teachers government conflict situation in a federal institution in Pankshin Plateau state

Abstract

The paper is a qualitative study that reports the perception of eight school children on the effect of a strike by their teachers on their education. Convenience sampling technique was used to select the participants. Interviews with the children were carried out using a semi-structured face-to-face interview. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The result showed children perceived that the strike resulted in denial of their right to education, missed opportunities to learn, and unhappiness as well as forced them to stay at home. Major activities they engaged in included house chores, play, watching TV, selling goods, and reading. The implication is that government, educational managers, and teachers should consider children's interests as a priority to avert industrial actions. If strike becomes the last option, emergency interventions by stakeholders should be organized by engaging temporary teachers to help children overcome the boredom of staying at home.