Practice and Challenges of School Grant Utilization In Secondary Schools of Bench Sheko Zone, South Nation Nationality and People Region

Abstract

The main objective of the study was assessing the practice and challenges of school grant utilization in selected secondary schools of Bench Sheko zone south nation nationalities and people’s region. A descriptive survey design was employed and the mixed research approach was used to support the study with both qualitative and quantitative data. Simple random sampling was used to select secondary schools in the zone. Thus, seven secondary schools were randomly selected and data were collected from a total of 85(59%) proportionally selected teachers, 38 (100%) school leaders, 4 (100%) WEO heads, 4(100%) Woreda finance and development office auditor and 7 parent teacher association chairperson. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for the study. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources; primary data was collected through questionnaires and an interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed employing descriptive statistical methods such as percentage, mean, standard deviation and one tailed t-test using the statistical software (SPSS version-20). Qualitative data were analyzed through narration. The analysis result revealed that there were limitations with in the schools in participating stake holders in school grant utilization planning and implementation and evaluation process. lack of financially skilled man power, lack of relevant training, absence of internal and external auditing activity, delay in releasing budget, interferences of school principal, engagement of school management on different duties were found to be the major challenges of school grant financial utilization in secondary schools of the zone. Based on the major findings of the study it was concluded that the schools lacked active participation of stakeholders, capable human resource in financial resources management, limitations in practicing financial rules and regulations. Finally, it was recommended that the Woreda educational office and schools should take measures to improve the participation of stakeholder, employ financially skilled manpower, release school grant budget timely, schools should report budget performance to the concerned bodies, and regular auditing should be carried out by the Woreda education and finance office.