Congolese Immigrant Parents' Perceptions about Their Children's Education in Philadelphia

Abstract

This dissertation describes the educational experiences of Congolese immigrant families and their children attending Philadelphia K-12 schools. The objectives of the study were to explore the educational experiences, needs and expectations of Congolese immigrant parents and their children in the U.S., and to confirm which of the many assimilation theories was applicable to this group of immigrants. The study aimed at providing American schools and curriculum developers with knowledge that they can use to meet the needs of this neglected group of immigrants. Although the number of Congolese immigrant families has been increasing in Philadelphia (Lewis Mumford Center, 2000), there is little knowledge and many faulty assumptions about African immigrants, and particularly, Congolese families. Most of what the American public and American teachers know about Congolese and African immigrants is based solely on biased media coverage, old stories, and myths that are not supported by valid research. African immigrants and their children have been especially excluded from educational research (Rong & Brown, 2002). Scholarship about Congolese immigrants from their African perspective is scarce, if not totally lacking. As a result of the lack of research about African immigrants and their children, not only have the special needs of these immigrants been neglected, but Congolese students in American schools continue to be victims of demeaning treatments and attacks, including violent attacks by some American students motivated by ignorance, prejudice, misconceptions and stereotypes (Traore, 2002; The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 2005). If the presence of Congolese immigrant children continues to be overlooked while the African immigrant population grows, many Congolese immigrant children may develop a dislike or disinterest in school which would place them at-risk for underachievement and dropping out (Stringfield & Land, 2002). The growing number of African immigrant children in American schools also poses new and different challenges for American education generally (Traore, 2002). Therefore, research on this group of immigrant children is much needed. A qualitative study using observations, individual and group interviews, and questionnaires was conducted among a group of African immigrants represented by families of Congolese immigrants including their children living in Philadelphia and neighboring areas. The study found that reasons for coming and staying in the U.S., the threat of losing Congolese identity and culture, parental role reversal, stereotypes, and misconceptions were the most important factors related to their children's experience in American schools. The accommodation `without assimilation' theory (Gibson, 1988) was found to be the most appropriate assimilation theory applicable to these Congolese families. This study provides American teachers, educational leaders and curriculum developers with knowledge and insights based on the voices and experiences of Congolese parents and children. This new knowledge and perspectives can be used to meet the educational needs and expectations of Congolese parents and their children who are experiencing schooling in America.