Lived Experiences of Parent Working Graduate Students at Makerere University.

Abstract

Parent Working Graduate Students is a population that navigates the complex intersection of academic, professional, and family responsibilities. This study explores the lived experiences, challenges and coping strategies of both male and female parent working graduate students at Makerere University in Kampala district. Using a qualitative research design grounded in phenomenology, the study examined the narratives of graduate student parents to uncover how they manage competing demands and access available resources. Using purposive sampling, eleven (11) working graduate parents were selected and semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and unique perspectives. Findings revealed several interrelated themes, including time constraints, financial challenges, as well as the strategies participants employed to cope, such as seeking social support, exercising time management skills, and prioritizing self-care. The findings highlight not only the challenges faced but also the need for continuous support to parent working graduate students.