Community participation in the development of basic education in the New Juaben municipality

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which the communities of the New Juabeng Municipality participated in improving access and quality of Basic Education in the country. The sample size for the study was 196 respondents consisting of 20 Basic heads and 20 teachers, 40 School Management Committees members, 40 Parent-Teacher Association Executives, 40 Parents, 13 Education Officers, 13 Municipal Assembly members, and 10 members of Unit Committees. These groups of people were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Research data was collected by means of questionnaire. The study showed that the community members were aware of the need to participate in the provision of basic education. However, they did not know their specific roles they needed to play in the schools. It was also revealed that lack of communication, resources and time on the part of parents and the community in general were major setbacks. As at the time of the study there was no community participation coordinator at the municipal education office. On the basis of the findings, the following recommendations were made: They assembly, teachers, education officers should encourage parents to have time and take responsibilities and support the school during P.T.A/SMC meetings and workshops, sensitize the communities on the importance of their involvement and their specific roles in monitoring, supervising and managing basic schools. Effective communication link should be established with all stakeholders and community participation coordinator should be restored at the education office.