Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the Practices and challenges of co-curricular activities in
secondary schools of Bale Zone in Oromia Regional State. Descriptive survey method was employed to
conduct the study. In the study 4 sample groups encompassing, 290 students, 53 teachers, 6 principals
and 6 supervisors were the participants of this study. Simple random sampling, availability and stratified
random sampling techniques were used to select the samples. In order to collect data, the researcher used
questionnaire, interviews and secondary sources. Questionnaire was distributed to 53 teachers and 290
students. In addition to this, 6 school principals and 6 school supervisors were interviewed. To analyze
the data, frequency, percentage, mean score and t-test were used. Finding of the study revealed that the
number of clubs established and effectively providing services for school community was less and could
not give chance for a large population of students to participate. Absence of experience sharing program
and shortage of provision of materials were seen in secondary schools. Adequate guidance and support,
incentive and reward giving practices for better achievement of teachers and students were not achieved
by school leaders. In addition, lack of trained teachers on area of co-curricular activities and lack of
budget were the factors exhibited in secondary schools. So, the participation of students and the
implementation of co-curricular activities in secondary schools were low. The implication is that the
contribution of CCAs for the students' talent development will be minimal. Thus, to improve the situation,
it is recommended that training program should be organized by the school leaders and woreda
education office. Strong monitoring and feedback mechanism should be established, adequate budget
needs to be allocated by government for school, experience sharing program within and between
secondary schools in zone, region, and country should be designed and implemented by joint effort of
school, woreda education office, zone and regional education bureau and MoE. Stakeholder such as
school leaders, teachers, students and supervisors should be participated actively for effectiveness of cocurricular
activities
