Community engagement in implementation of fee free education in Tanzania: A case of secondary schools in Lushoto district council
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Date
2019
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Publisher
Mzumbe University
Abstract
This study explored the level of knowledge, perceptions and interest among
secondary school community who engage in implementation of FFE Programme
using Lushoto District Council as a case study. The specific objectives of the study
included to identify the level of knowledge of key stakeholders about implementation
of FFE programme; find out perceptions and attitudesof key stakeholders about the
implementation of FFE programme; and assess the contributions of existing legal
framework in the implementation of FFE programme. Basically, the objectives of the
study adhere with the institutional theory in the process of pre-empting the unknown.
The study utilised a descriptive-case study design from a sample size of 157 study
participants obtained through the use ofnon-probability (purposive sampling
technique) and probability (simple random sampling technique). Data were collected
using interview guides, structured questionnaires and documentary review. While
qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, Quantitative data were
analysed descriptively using computer software known as SPSS version 22.
The study revealed that Fee Free Education (FFE) programme was successfully
implemented. The key stakeholders had high theoretical knowledge aboutof the FFE
and imparted it to the other stakeholders at the school community. They understood
FFE as government programme where pupils would not pay any fee and other
contributions as it was before the introduction of FFE.However, it showed that the
community was aware that there could be contribution provided that it is initiated by
community for school welfares. FFE was perceived to have increased students’
enrollment as well as the access to education in rural settings.However, Teachers
were demoralized due to deficits in disbursed funds forschool budgetneeds,
overcrowding of students and poor parental involvement towards contributing funds
for students’ food during the study. The rules and regulations showed deficienciesin
the modality used to allocate budget, and lack of mechanisms to improve teachers’
welfareshence, demoralised the execution of FFE programme.The study concludes
that the success of any implemented education programme depends upon the
established legal framework which needs to link with the level of knowledge,
perceptions and interests of stakeholders who either affect or affected by the
programme. The study recommends for a review of country’s Education Policy of
2014 to include effective ways of execution of educational programmes.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Degree of Master of Arts in Education (MA-EDU) of the Mzumbe University
Keywords
Fee free Education, Lushoto Tanzania, Community engagement in FFE
Citation
APA