Experiences of first generation students in higher education : a phenomenological study in University of Education, Winneba-Ghana

This study explores the experiences of First Generation Students (FGS) in Ghana’s Higher Education because little studies has focused on the concept of FGS in Africa and in a developing country like Ghana. However, FGS who are defined as students whose parents did not attend and finish college face challenges which affect their resilience and success in the completion of higher education. This study aims to explore FGS experiences in the University of Education, Winneba because the university is seen as a safe haven for FGS in Ghana. The study explores the motivation of FGS to pursue higher education, examines the coping mechanisms adopted by FGS in pursuing Higher Education and analysed accessible interventional strategies existing for FGS in Ghana higher institution. Consistent with other similar studies, the study employs phenomenological design with Purposive and Snowballing sampling techniques to recruit a sample size of 15 participants from the University of Education, Winneba. The sample comprises 6 first year students, 6 final year students and 3 university officials who were engaged in one-on-one interview. A thematic analysis employing NVIVO version 12 was employed in analyzsing the data. The study findings show the importance of interventional schemes towards the persistence and success for FGS in their years of pursuing higher education. The findings imply that Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education should partner with international funding agencies to design a student loan grant system that is affordable, interestfree and all-inclusive to ensure FGS resilience and success.