The Effects Of Fee Free Policy In Ordinary Public Secondary Education In Tanzania: A Case Of Dodoma City

ABSTRACT

The study aimed at assessing effects of fee free policy in ordinary public secondary education in Tanzania. The study was guided by the classical liberal theory of equal opportunity. The study used qualitative research approach with some aspects of quantitative research approach. It employed descriptive research design. The sample of this study consisted of 106 participants, where by 7 were head teachers, 35 were teachers, 1 education officer, 42 students and 21 parents. Participants were obtained through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentary review. The major findings indicated that the policy of FFE had been well implemented in ordinary public secondary schools. It was revealed in this study that students’ enrolment has been increasing and students’ dropout decreased. It was again found that parental involvement in education of their children was improved. The findings indicated further that the cost of education has been reduced due to the FFSE. However, the study indicated that there were some challenges that were affecting teaching and learning such as shortage of school physical facilities, shortage of teaching and learning materials, shortage of teachers, lack of motivation for teachers, inadequacy and delay of funds disbursement at school level and increased studenttextbook ratio. It is recommended that for effective implementation of FFSE, there is a need to provide the financial resources in schools, and construction of more classrooms, including the increased number of teachers and textbooks