Challenges Facing Head Teachers In Implementing Free Primary Education Policy: A Case Study Of Zanzibar West District Unguja

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to examine challenges facing Head Teachers (HTs) in implementing Free Primary Education (FPE) policy in public primary school in Zanzibar West District Unguja. The study aimed at finding out roles of HTs in implementing FPE policy, challenges facing HTs in implementing FPE policy and strategies employed by HTs to overcome challenges. The study used cross-sectional survey design and was mainly qualitative supported by quantitative research approach. The data collection instruments were questionnaire, interview and documentary review. The study used 33 respondents, in which 24 were teachers, 4 HTs, 4 School Committee Chairpersons and one District Education Officer. Qualitative data were analysed by using thematic analysis and frequency and quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS. The study established that, the role of HTs in implementing FPE were to provide awareness to stakeholders on FPE policy, ensure pupils are enrolled without any contribution and to ensure effective utilization of FPE fund. Moreover, the study found that challenges facing HTs in implementing FPE policy were shortage of FPE funds, delayed of teaching and learning materials, lack of training to HTs to implement FPE policy, misconception of FPE policy, shortage of teaching staff and increasing of enrolment of pupils. Finally, the study found that strategies employed by HTs to overcome challenges were, sending challenges to the Ministry of Education; involve school committees as well as establishment of school income generating activities. The study recommended that the government should prepare enough budgets to finance FPE, training in financial management to HTs, teaching staff should be employed and stakeholders should be given awareness on the FPE policy.