Practice and Challenges of School Finance Resource Mobilization and Utilization in Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess financial resource mobilization and utilization of government secondary schools in Ethiopia. To achieve this goal, the researcher had selected 5 schools from the total 9 schools in the city through simple random sampling. To select participants from the randomly selected 5 schools, the researcher had used comprehensive sampling technique and employed descriptive survey design. Questionnaire, document analysis and interview were used as the key data collection tools. The data was analyzed by percentage and narration. The study discovered that a little effort was made to generate internal incomes through conducting meeting with school community to raise awareness for donation, using school land for cultivation of vegetables and cash crops, selling grass and trees, renting school class rooms, halls, and shops. However, school principals cannot establish internal auditor committee in the schools. There is lack of financially skilled man power to utilize budgets properly. There are no trainings for finance officers & there is lack of leadership capacity. Based on the findings of the study the researcher recommended; the school principals, supervisors, KETBs and PTAs should exert their maximum efforts to mobilize their community and others for supporting schools. School principals  should  establish  internal  auditor  committee  and  help  them  to  check school financial activities through the right procedures timely. The zone education office should provide short and long term training for the school principals, vice-principals, accountants, cashiers, concerned department heads and PTAs to improve their performance and assign well trained and experienced financial personals to the work at the school level so as to improve financial management activities and to scale up the educational finance mobilization and utilization processes.

Keywords: Financial Resource, Mobilization, Utilization, Secondary School

DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/13-23-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2022