Community perceptions of the households’ role on financing public primary education: a case study of Mbeya city council and rural district council in Tanzania
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Date
2010
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Publisher
University of Dar es Slaam
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore community perceptions of the households’ role on financing Public Primary Education (PPE) in Mbeya City Council and Mbeya Rural district Council in Mbeya region. The study sample comprised of 96 participants from four public primary schools and the community members around the schools. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative inquiries, guided by a case study design. Data collection was through FGDs, semi structured interviews, documentary reviews and observation schedules. Findings revealed that the investigated communities were aware of households’ role on financing PPE. Secondly, it was noted that the perception of contributing for PPE was negative because they perceived that education was free and that it was the responsibility of the government to finance primary education. Thirdly, their perceptions were mainly affected by conflicting educational policy statements which on one hand insisted on cost sharing and on the other hand claiming free and compulsory primary education. Generally, it was found that the negative perceptions of financing PPE among the community members adversely affected the adequacy of school facilities. The study concludes that unclear policy develops negative perceptions and reduces the extent of contributions for PPE and that poor strategies of involving community members adversely affect their perceptions and subsequently contribution for PPE. The study recommends that educational policies should be clarified and disseminated such that local communities clearly understand them. Further, education stakeholders at lower levels should be fully involved so as to create positive perceptions. Finally, the local government authorities should initiate capacity building programmes to raise community members’ income and train the members of the school committee and local leaders on resource management. It further recommended that similar studies should be conducted in other areas of Tanzania. This may lead to the replication of the findings making diversified results that will enhance comparatives across community settings.
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Available in print
Keywords
Public school, Public Primary school, Finance, Mbeya City Council, Mbeya Rural District Council, Mbeya region, Tanzania
Citation
Anania, A.(2010) Community perceptions of the households’ role on financing public primary education: a case study of Mbeya city council and rural district council in Tanzania. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.