FACTORS INFLUENCING CHILDREN’S ATTENDANCE OF SUNDAY SCHOOL IN KINONI PARISH, NORTH ANKOLE DIOCESE

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines factors affecting children's Sunday school attendance in Kinoni Parish, North Ankole Diocese. Using pastoral theological frameworks that integrate theological truth with human realities, researcher investigated ten variables influencing religious education participation among children aged 8-14 years. The study employed quantitative surveys (n=285) and qualitative interviews across three Church of Uganda congregations: Kinoni COU, Sherengye COU, and All Saints COU. Data collection included structured questionnaires with 5-point Likert scales, interviews with church leaders, parents, teachers, and children, direct observation of Sunday school sessions, and analysis of attendance records from 2019- 2024. Major positive finding: Strong parental spiritual commitment emerged as a key strength. Parents demonstrated exceptionally high belief in Sunday school's importance for children's spiritual growth (M = 4.22, SD = 0.96) and consistently encouraged regular attendance (M = 4.01, SD = 1.09). This reflects deeply embedded spiritual values within the parish community, providing a strong foundation for ministry interventions and exemplifying biblical intergenerational faith transmission principles from Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Major negative finding: Health-related barriers constituted the most significant systematic obstacle to consistent attendance. Community health concerns received the highest impact rating (M = 4.27, SD = 0.89), with illness-related absences (M = 4.17), long-term health conditions (M = 4.17), and inadequate health accommodations (M = 4.07) creating persistent disruptions. This reveals a critical gap between the church's theological commitment to caring for the vulnerable and its practical capacity for inclusive, health-responsive programming. Key Recommendations: First, develop comprehensive church support systems addressing transportation (M = 1.83), learning materials (M = 2.47), and health accommodations through cooperatives and partnerships. Second, implement strategic leadership development initiatives addressing training deficiencies (M = 2.79) through theological institution partnerships. This research contributes empirical evidence for evidence-based ministry planning in post-colonial African contexts, offering practical guidance for church governance and broader scholarly discourse on pastoral theology and religious education effectiveness. Keywords: Sunday school attendance, pastoral theology, children's religious education, rural ministry, Church of Uganda, community health barriers, parental involvement and leadership development.