Topic Guide: Corruption in Education

Parents can also play an important role in reducing corruption in the education system. Many parents rely on schools not only to educate their children but also as caretakers for their children and, in some cases, to provide meals during the day. As they have important incentives to contribute to quality education services, parental participation and oversight at the school level can greatly contribute to fighting school corruption.  

Parent-led anti-corruption actions may range from complaint or suggestion boxes directed at principles, superintendents or ministers to regular parent-teacher meetings or disseminating information about students’ rights to the wider community. For example, Guatemalan communities had significant problems with teacher absenteeism, leading to a decrease in school attendance. Community bulletin boards were used to provide parents with an outlet to complain about teacher absences, lack of resources and instances of corruption. These would become especially relevant during education inspector visits since most parents had to work and could not attend meetings during working hours.