A study on the impact of primary education development plan (PEDP) on classroom resources the case of Ilala municipality

The study sought to assess the impact of substantial enrolment expansion under Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP), on classroom resources. As a recent intervention, the government used PEDP in order to realize it longtime dream of providing access to free primary education to all school-age children. The study was carried in in Ilala Municipality in Dar es Salaam region. Data collection methods included open-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, documentary review, checklists, and observation. Data analysis was done through both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Findings from the study disclosed that, implementation of PEDP expanded enrolment substantially. However, the study discovered that enrolment dwindled slowly towards the end of the phase one of the implementation, as severe resource shortages were experienced in primary schools. The study concluded that Budget deficits and irregularities in the PEDP's funds disbursement policy were the major reasons for this situation. The government has been advised to ensure that in the future, thorough assessment of resource needs is made to avoid similar severe resources setbacks. Also, the government has been advised to change the current funds disbursement policy which apportions capitation grants to primary schools according to the number of enrolled pupils, to a system in which real individual school's needs are taken into account.