Effectiveness of the scholarship program for students from low income households: The Case of Dar es Salaam Secondary Schools

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the scholarships program had enabled students from low income households to access secondary education. The focus was to assess how effective the program was. This study employed a case study research design with a sample of 181 respondents. Mixed methods were used in data collection. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, documentary reviews and semi-structured observation. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis in order to extract relevant data while the quantitative data were categorized, summarized and presented in tabular form. The findings revealed that the scholarship program had enrolled a considerable number of students from low income households. The identification of the target students had loop holes which provided room for students from high income households to get scholarships as well. The amount of the scholarship funds had not been adjusted from the commencement of the program, thus, they were insufficient. Despite the academic progress of the scholarship students being satisfactory, they were receiving their scholarship funds very late. Thus, the results of this study ought to be confirmed in other regions in the country and ensure that: There is an accurate mechanism for identifying the students from low income households. The scholarship funds are available before schools open. The amount of funds should is reviewed to cover the real costs of items, and there is transparency in the disbursement of the scholarship funds.