Contribution of community participation in education development projects: A case of community secondary schools in Butiama District council

Abstract

Community participation in education development projects is very vital. However, studies left the area of community participation in education development projects unstudied. This study was conducted in Butiama District Council to explore the contribution of community participation in education development projects. Specifically, the study assessed the contribution of community participation in school projects. The study used a case study research design with a sample of 123 respondents which involved households. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to obtain respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study indicated that community participation in school projects had a great contribution to schools in the construction of more classes/school facilities, recruitment of more teachers, and purchase of stationery; in terms of students it reduced students' dropout cases, increased completion rate and school attendance; and in terms of households it contributed on provision of employment opportunities to households and money contribution to the schools. It was recommended that facilitators need to deliberately create an enabling environment for the community to participate effectively in their development projects, the awareness creation of the need for all community members to effectively contribute to their development plans, irrespective of gender, social economic, and educational prominence. This study recommends that school management should collaborate with Community Development officers, Ward Executive Directors, and community members to discuss school-based matters to counteract challenges facing school projects.