Exploration of strategies used and challenges encountered by administrators in the maintenance of conditions of infrastructure and equipment in public primary schools in Lusaka district, Zambia.
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Date
2022-07-16
Authors
Kabwe, Mwila Juliet
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The main purpose of the study was an exploration of strategies used and challenges
encountered by School Administrators in the maintenance of the condition of
infrastructure and equipment in Public Primary Schools in Lusaka District, Zambia.
The study was guided by three objectives, which include to; establish the condition of
school infrastructure and equipment, to determine the challenges encountered in the
choice and implementation of strategies used in the maintenance of school
infrastructure and equipment and to identify the strategies used by School
Administrators in the maintenance of school infrastructure and equipment in selected
Public Primary Schools of Mumuni Zone in Lusaka District.
The study employed the interpretvist paradigm and a qualitative method. A purposive
sampling method was used to select respondents who included, Deputy Head of
Infrastructure at the Ministry of Education, Headquarters in Lusaka, 5 Headteachers, 5
parents, 5 teachers and 9 pupils from 5 different schools. Data was obtained using the
semi-structured interviews and observation. The schools were purposively sampled due
to their nature of being in existence for twenty or more years since their establishment.
Data was analyzed using thematic analysis, a method used in identifying analyzing and
reporting information according to emerging themes.
The study revealed that School Administrators had embarked on some fundraising
ventures in order to ensure that maintenance of infrastructure is not left unattended to.
These included poultry keeping, car wash and careers’ day for children, among others.
The study also revealed that there was a serious communication breakdown between of
the Ministry of Education and School Administrators in as far as maintenance of school
infrastructure and equipment is concerned.
The study ended with recommendations which include; creating a post at District level
of Standards Officer whose work would involve working closely with Administrators in
school maintenance programmes as well as supplying of teaching materials. Secondly,
Government to re-introduce workshops on maintenance to be held once every term at
zone level, for the purposes of sharing ideas, experiences and knowledge.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
School buildings--Repair and maintenance.