COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN YABERUS SECONDARY SCHOOL OF WOLKITE TOWN GURAGE ZONE.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine community participation of SIP in the government secondary and preparatory schools in Yaberus. For this purpose, descriptive survey design was used. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed. Purposive sampling was used for schools, KETB, PTSA, SIC, Principals, Supervisor, and GEQIP expertise, random sampling for teachers and convenience sampling was used for students in focused-group discussion. Data were collected by using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focused group discussion and document analysis. These data were analyzed and interpreted using both qualitative andquantitative techniques. The major finding of the study indicates that low familiarity of community with SIP, lack of awareness creation training and empowerment programs, poor school-community chain (network), lack of regular communication with community and insignificant roles of school community. Thus, to alleviate the problems collaboration work of Woreda Education Office and schools in giving training, GEQIP expertise and school supervisor support for school in developing different strategies to overcome challenges, principals’ active participation in differentiating problem and inviting community including teachers, KETB, and PTSA to participate in SIP were recommended.