Appearance of Poverty in Children's School Life: A Qualitative Study in Türkiye

The aim of this study is to understand the impact of poverty on children's education. Following a qualitative research methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 parents (all women), 14 children (seven girls and seven boys), and 28 experts and decision-makers in T & uuml;rkiye. The data obtained from the participants were categorized into three main themes: "Impact of Factors Outside the School on Children's Education," "Impact of Factors Inside the School on Children's Education," and "Children's Expectations for Education and Life." The results indicate that health problems, malnutrition, and a lack of educational materials in low-income families impacted children's school success. In particular, children without a balanced diet struggled to focus on lessons and were often ill. Additionally, inadequate school supplies and the inability to participate in activities affected their confidence and peer relationships. The low quality of schools and teaching worsened these challenges, especially in poor neighborhoods. Consequently, educational and social assistance are crucial for helping children overcome these obstacles. In this context, future research on the subject may be conducted more holistically using a mixed research methodology to cover various child population groups in T & uuml;rkiye. This would improve our understanding of poverty's impact on children's education.