Parents’ Participation In School Development Activities: A Case Of Selected Community Secondary Schools In Kilwa District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at examining parents‟ participation in school development activities in six selected community secondary schools in Kilwa district, Lindi region, Tanzania. The study assessed the extent of parents‟ participation in school development activities in community secondary schools, sought to identify factors hindering parents‟ participation in school development activities and proposed ways to improve parents‟ participation in school development activities in community secondary schools. The study used cross-sectional research design and mixed research approach to investigate the phenomenon. The study had 61 respondents whereby 18 were teachers, 30 were parents, 6 head of schools, 6 Ward Executive Officers and 1 District Secondary Education Officer. Data were obtained through questionnaire, interviews and documentary review. Results from the study revealed that parents‟ participation in school development activities was not in a good way, though, the degree of participation varied by type of development activities, and nature of parents. The frequently mentioned factors hindering parents‟ participation in school development activities included parents‟ ignorance, parents‟ poverty, students‟ poor academic performance, lack of transparency on financial matters and a lot of contributions. The least mentioned factors were distance from home to schools as well as time constrain. Furthermore, the study suggested ways to improve parents‟ participation in school development activities such as provision of education to parents on importance of their participation, reduction of poverty, improve students‟ academic performance, and ensure transparency on financial matters. Moreover, the study recommended that the government should put more efforts to educate stakeholders that provision of education is a partnership process between schools and parents