Challenges facing the implementation of fee-free education in primary schools in Tanzania

Abstract

In this paper we investigated the challenges facing the implementation of Fee-Free Education (FFE) in primary schools in Tanzania. We adopted a qualitative approach with a case study exploratory design. The study was carried out in the Geita District Council, involving 28 participants. These were 12 school committee members, 10 headteachers, 5 Ward Education Officers (WEOs), and a District Education Officer (DEO). Data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and documentary review. Thematic and content analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that FFE contributed to an increased enrolment rate of pupils from poor families and it improved the retention and attendance rates in primary schools. However, the findings indicate that the visited schools faced a shortage of teachers, school infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets for pupils, and desks because of an increased pupils' enrolment that affected the implementation of FFE. The findings also indicate that headteachers did not receive any in-service training for them to manage the schools’ financial resources. We argue in this study that for effective implementation of FFE in primary schools both headteachers and teachers need in-service training and seminars on financial management. The government also needs to employ more teachers if the quality of education is to be sustained in primary schools. Nevertheless, increasing the budget for education for classroom construction is equally imperative.