Challenges faced by school boards in executing their roles: A case study of four rural Primary schools in the Omusati region in Namibia
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by school board members in executing their roles in the rural primary schools of the Omusati region. The Namibian education act, promulgated in 2001, was committed in ensuring democracy through active involvement of all stakeholders (principals, teachers, parents, other stakeholders and learners in secondary schools) in the decision-making processes in schools through school board members. However, the evolution of school governance has gone through many challenges in its effort to create democratic and equitable education in Namibia. A qualitative case study design was used for this study. The population comprised of school board members of four rural primary schools in Okahao Circuit of the Omusati Region. Stratified purposeful sampling was used to select the sample. Interview guides, observation sheets and document analysis were used as data collection instruments. The findings revealed that school board members in rural primary schools in Okahao Circuit faced various challenges that inhibit execution of their roles. Such challenges included: inadequate capacity building for school board members, language barrier, poor educational background and lack of understanding. These facts made it difficult
for parent members to govern schools. The study further revealed that lack of support from parents and community, poor attendance and absenteeism of school board members at board meetings and parents at parents meetings inhibited school board effectiveness. Finally, the study made a number of recommendations regarding to the research findings for stakeholders in the Namibian education system to consider.
Description
A research thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for a Degree of Master of Education (Leadership, Management & Policy Studies)
Keywords
School boards, Challenges