The Impact of Decentralization on Access to Primary Education: The case of School Committees in Songea District in Tanzania.

Mtuli, Abdallah Bakari (2020) The Impact of Decentralization on Access to Primary Education: The case of School Committees in Songea District in Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study investigated the impact of School Committees on access to primary education in Songea District. Specifically the study assessed the role of SC in ensuring that all school age children admitted and registered to start primary education and, responsibilities of the SC in ensuring students attendance is enhanced and dropout is decreased in schools, Also analyzed the contributions of SC to ensure the school has a good discipline and students are provided day meals as a strategy to improve the school welfare and also, examined the challenges facing the school management team to improve and sustain access primary education in Songea District. The study employed mixed approach and descriptive survey. Data were gathered by using interview, questionnaire and documentary review, and were analyzed by using content analysis and Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20. The findings revealed that SC members were instrumental in increased admission and thus the increase in the number of school age children enrolled standard one in primary schools. SC members were also responsible in ensuring students’ attendance, day meals and the decrease in dropout and in improving school discipline. A researcher concludes that decentralization of primary education; management, and supervision improved access to primary education at local level, increased admission and registration rate in primary schools, decreased students drop out and enhanced students attendance, also SC maintained school discipline and influenced day meals provisions as strategy to improve school welfare. A researcher recommends the government to improve school infrastructures to accommodate all pupils registered standard one and teachers employment should be prioritized. Keywords: Decentralization, Access to Education and School Management Committee

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