Experiences of first-generation students in a large public university in Ghana : a phenomenological study

In this study, first-generation students (FGS) experiences in the higher education system of Ghana were explored. Only a few studies in Africa, notably Ghana, have focused on the concept of FGS. FGS are conceptualized as learners whose parents didn’t complete or attend university and are the first in their nuclear families to seek for higher education. This research looked into FGS experiences at the University of Education Winneba, which is a large public university viewed as a haven for FGS in Ghana because of its mandate to train teachers for immediate employment. The study explored FGS motivations for pursuing higher education, coping mechanisms that support their persistence and resilience to pursue higher education, as well as interventional strategies that FGS can access to ensure their resilience and success in Ghanaian higher education. A phenomenological design was used to recruit 15 participants from the University of Education, Winneba, using purposive and snowballing sampling approaches. Six (6) first-year students, six (6) final-year students, and two (2) university officials from various departments at the University of Education, Winneba were interviewed one-on-one. NVIVO 12 software was used to conduct a thematic analysis. Themes that revealed from the study serve as proof that FGS are driven by several factors to pursue higher education and can be resilient enough to graduate from university if adequate and appropriate resources are available to enhance their university journey. Even though with resources such as Vice Chancellors Scholarships, Student Loan Schemes, and District Scholarships available to all higher education students in Ghana, the FGS participants in the study report that such available resources were generally limited, inaccessible, discriminatory, and highly competitive, if not completely absent, in their own experiences, thereby developing several character traits, coping mechanisms and forming their own agency. This paper contends that being aware of the barriers that hinder FGS motivations to navigate higher education successfully will help them move forward. Therefore, a collaborative effort which requires universities, the Ministry of Education, and policymakers and all stakeholders concern to redesign their approaches to influence FGS policies and practices to reach out to such vulnerable groups in the higher education environment is crucial

The exploration of online academic help-seeking behavior of first-generation college students in developing countries: evidence from China

IntroductionWith the continuous expansion of higher education globally, the number of first-generation college students (FGCS) is also increasing, particularly in developing countries where FGCS account for more than half of all college students.MethodsThis qualitative study explores the experience of Chinese FGCS in online academic help-seeking (OAHS) behavior through semi-structured interviews. The narratives from fifty-eight participants expand the understanding of how FGCS use the Internet to seek academic help when their family cultural capital is insufficient, and also present the role of family in this process.ResultsThree themes are found. First, FGCS prefer one-way help-seeking compared to interactive help-seeking. This situation is consistent with FGCS’ choice in traditional contexts. Second, the Internet is used by FGCS most of the time to address specific issues without assisting them in academic self-growth effectively. Third, FGCS crave more spiritual support and encouragement from families.DiscussionBased on the theories of cultural capital and cultural mismatch, the findings reveal the cultural mismatch and behavioral characteristics of OAHS in the Chinese context, giving implications for university practitioners to provide targeted assistance and training to FGCS

Caring for older adults in Ghana: The experiences of primary caregivers in the Winneba township

Little research has explored the experiences of caregivers of older adults in Africa, particularly in Ghana. However, globally, providing care for older adults is very important across all cultures. By this, it is evident that many families are increasingly being affected by the need to offer care to older adults due to the strains involved in carrying these responsibilities (Andersen & Taylor, 2001). In Winneba Township in Ghana, caring for older adults has become an obstacle and stressful to caregivers. Due to this, older adult caregivers face a double jeopardy: while they provide supportive care to their declining loved one, they too often suffer multiple chronic conditions and decline. This has motivated the researcher to; explore the relationship that exists between the primary caregivers and older adults in the Winneba Township; examine the kind of support primary caregivers’ offer to the older adults; explore the challenges caregivers face in their quest to offer support to the older adults and examine the coping strategies adopted by primary caregivers in providing quality care to the older adults in the Winneba Township. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach with Phenomenological design employing one-on-one interview and observation guides will be used to collect data from eligible 20 caregivers in Winneba in southern Ghana. Employing Thematic Analysis (TA) with NVivo (12), in a descriptive first cycle and focused second cycle coding will be employed to analyse the data

Table_1_The exploration of online academic help-seeking behavior of first-generation college students in developing countries: evidence from China.DOCX

IntroductionWith the continuous expansion of higher education globally, the number of first-generation college students (FGCS) is also increasing, particularly in developing countries where FGCS account for more than half of all college students.MethodsThis qualitative study explores the experience of Chinese FGCS in online academic help-seeking (OAHS) behavior through semi-structured interviews. The narratives from fifty-eight participants expand the understanding of how FGCS use the Internet to seek academic help when their family cultural capital is insufficient, and also present the role of family in this process.ResultsThree themes are found. First, FGCS prefer one-way help-seeking compared to interactive help-seeking. This situation is consistent with FGCS’ choice in traditional contexts. Second, the Internet is used by FGCS most of the time to address specific issues without assisting them in academic self-growth effectively. Third, FGCS crave more spiritual support and encouragement from families.DiscussionBased on the theories of cultural capital and cultural mismatch, the findings reveal the cultural mismatch and behavioral characteristics of OAHS in the Chinese context, giving implications for university practitioners to provide targeted assistance and training to FGCS.</p

Cultural differences on work relations in Chinese companies operating in Ghana: A cross-cultural study of Chinese and Ghanaian workers

Employees' cultural values and characteristics have a significant impact on work values and outcomes. Due to the strong economic ties between China and Ghana, several Chinese companies establish their branches in Ghana and employ Ghanaians to work with them. However, the role of cultural values in Chinese-Ghanaian work relationships have not been investigated. Through a qualitative lens, we investigated the cultural influence on the working relationship between Ghanaians and Chinese at a Chinese company in Ghana. The study was conducted at Asogli Thermal Plant using a case study. This is one of the biggest Chinese companies in Ghana and has a large proportion of both Chinese and Ghanaian workers. A total of 18 participants were interviewed, and data were analysed thematically. We found that Ghanaians and Chinese staff at the Thermal Plant are sometimes unable to have a collective discourse on their needs due to language barriers. Also, cultural interpretation of politeness denied them many avenues to form a strong workers’ cooperation to seek their mutual needs. These differences affect their collaboration and bonding as co-workers. To foster collaborations and good cooperation between Chinese and Ghanaian co-workers, management of such companies are advised to implement an intentional mechanism that reduces the impact of cultural differences on work relations. Such organisations need to train all staff intermittently on diversity, inclusion, and cultural values of Ghana and China in order to help staff cultivate versatility, awareness, and acceptance of alternative values

Supporting Ageing Populations in Developing Countries: A Comparative Analysis of Pension Schemes and Policy Insights

The rapid growth of the elderly population is a major global demographic and social issue. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of pension plans and social security programmes for this population in developing countries, which has severe consequences for their quality of life and well-being. In this article, we aim to better understand the pension systems in developing country contexts such as Ghana, Pakistan, and Myanmar by reviewing official government materials (for example, pension reports) and the published literature to suggest relevant policy recommendations. We observed several policy implementation gaps and inequities in pension schemes for older people, specifically for informal and private sector workers. Considering the size of formal versus informal economies and the level of development index of each country, we suggest a wide variety of options for pension policies, financing, designing cash benefits, and pension payments to cover all older citizens. This article addresses the unmet needs of the elderly and their wider economic sustainability to ensure social justice and resource utilisation. Governments in developing countries should embrace and establish unique, inclusive, and friendly policies encompassing the informal sector to warrant older adults’ functional and social well-being with dignity and honour