PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF BLOCK GRANT MANGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF HARARI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the practices and challenges of block grant managemnt in government primary schools in Harari, regional state. This study incorporated qualitative and quantitative data. The descriptive survey research method was employed. Sources of data were principals, department heads and PTSA members, woreda education and finance office experts, and representatives from the REB. Census and random sampling was used in selecting the participants. The data was collected using a questionnaire and interview guide. The Cornbrash’s alpha reliability coefficient for the instrument was 0.83. The data obtained through questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics tools such as frequency, Mean, combined mean, standard deviation, and independent sample t-test was employed. The finding indicates that a lack of clear guidelines and knowledge among school leaders regarding the block grant, absence needs assessments, scarce participation of teachers in block grant planning, inconsistency in the number of block grants received by schools and lack of transparency are identified in the practice. Regarding utilization, because the grant is inadequate for the teaching learning process, it is not utilized in alignment with school plans. Moreover, grants inadequacy in supporting teaching and learning processes and their inflexible nature contribute to their overall ineffectiveness. The lack of an accountant, cashier and auditor, significantly affects the control and monitoring of the grant. The identified challenges were delays in the delivery of materials, poor quality of goods and stationery, discrepancies between allocated grants and expenses, and inadequate training for the PTSA in financial control. It is recommended that the Harari REB should evaluate the practice of block grant utilization and develop new guidelines, create awareness of responsible bodies, change the grant transfer system to a financial disumberssement, establish a monitoring and evaluation system which makes change in decision-making system that involves PTSA