THE CONTRIBUTION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO FEMALE STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMEN IN SELECTED PREPARATORY SCHOOLS OF EAST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGION

Abstract

This study attempted to assess the contribution of NGOs on female students academic achievement in preparatory schools of East Arsi Zone of Oromia regional state. In the study, descriptive survey method was used. Samples of the study consisted of 18 teachers, 2 principals, 2 vice principals, 2 supervisors total 24 instructional leaders, 118 female students, 6 PTA members and 4 Harme and Senke EdDA coordinators. Generally, 152 individuals were the participants of the study. The sampling techniques used were availability sampling techniques for instructional leaders ( teachers, principals, vice principals, supervisors), PTA, and NGOs coordinators as well as stratified random sampling technique used for female students. Questionnaire, interview and documents were source of data used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using, frequency, percentage, mean; T-test. The data gathered through interview and openended questionnaire were analyzed through narrative description along with data from questionnaire. The analysis of the data revealed that: there was contribution of NGOs using different mechanisms such as giving tutorial class, minimize cost of female students education, tends to build capacity of school community and provide both material and finical support to enhance female students academic achievement. As the finding of the study revealed, NGOs were supported in developing confidence and in increasing top ten achiever female students in selected preparatory schools of East Arsi Zone Oromia Regional State. On the other hand there were challenges that hider the activities of NGOs such as shortage of sufficient human and financial resources, lack of transparency and long bureaucratic way to perform tasks. In order to alleviate those serious challenges and to sustain the result zonal education office, woreda education office and preparatory schools and responsible leaders at different levels of authorities should work in collaboration with NGOs to mobilize community at large and provide close follow up and support, to ensure the achievement of female students in the study area.