The state of community participation in the development of basic education in Zongo Macheri in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to discuss state of community participation in the development of basic education in Zongo-Macheri in the Krachi-Nchumuru District of the Oti Region. The research was a case study using the qualitative research approach. The sample size for the study was 20. The purposive sampling procedure was applied in selecting the study participants. Data collected from the interviews and observations were analysed using the inductive content analysis approach. The study revealed that apathy and lack of commitment of teachers and parents, lack of regular supervision, and inadequate supply of basic educational materials by the government and parents undermined effective community participation in the development of basic education in Zongo-Machery. The study also discovered that challenges such as the politicization of educational policies, negative attitude of parents, financial challenges, and low level of education (illiteracy) hindered community participation in schools in Zongo-Macheri in the Krachi-Nchumuru District. It also emerged from the study that despite the numerous challenges confronting community participation, it also had so many benefits which could inure to the benefit of the community and the society as a whole if properly harnessed. These include discipline, promoting better academic performance and meeting welfare needs of the students and teachers alike. Based on the findings arrived at, it is recommended that all the stakeholder in education delivery must be seen to attach urgency to the provision of adequate infrastructure, teachers, conducive environment ant teaching/learning resources needs of the basic schools. The stakeholders should therefore, rededicate and channel their collective efforts into community participation in order to reap the full benefits of community participation.