Rural community participation in the delivery of education in selected primary schools of Lundazi district in Eastern province of Zambia.
Date
2022-07-30
Authors
Twaambo, Hector
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study investigated rural community participation in the delivery of education in
selected primary schools of Lundazi District. The study employed a qualitative design on
a population of 80 respondents. The sample consisted of (5) head teachers, 10 PTA
members, 25 teachers and forty (40) community members who participated in this study
that were randomly and purposively sampled. Data was collected using focus group
discussions and semi-structured interviews.
For data analysis, thematic analysis was used for responses from both the interviews and
the focus group discussions. The information was described in themes and patterns
exclusive to that set of participants.
The results of the study revealed that communities provided labor in the delivery of
education. This labor included building of toilets, rehabilitation of dilapidated structures
like teachers’ houses and classroom blocks among others
The study further revealed that community participation was through holding and
attending planning meetings in schools. This resulted into cooperation between schools
and parents as partners in development hence, facilitating a smooth delivery of education.
The effects of enhanced community participation included: improved pupil attendance, a
reduction in early marriages, and reduction in pupil pregnancy as well as motivated
teaching force due to improved structures. There was poor communication between
schools and communities on what ought to be done to bring about improvement in schools
in most cases. This created lapses in community participation and education delivery.
The study recommended that there was need to enhance community and teachers’
cooperation by making both parents and teachers to share roles in the process of
community participation. Government should also improve on funding of primary schools
for the enhancement of sufficient classroom constructions. Lastly, massive community
sensitization should be enhanced by the leaders (PTA) on the importance of participation
in the delivery of education.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Community and school--Zambia.