Challenges to Fee-Free Education Implementation in Advanced Level Schools: Insights from Dodoma City Council, Tanzania

Abstract

The study explores the internal impediments encountered by schools in implementing fee-free education. The study was carried out in  Dodoma City Tanzania. The study employed a qualitative technique. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, observation and through  documentary reviews. A purposive sampling method was employed to choose a group of 20 participants, consisting of  education officers, SQAS, heads of schools, teachers, and parents who served as key informants, also the study engaged stratified  random sampling on selecting of 8 groups with 8 students per each group which make a total number of 64 students who responded  through FGD. Therefore, the study employed a total 84 participants. The thematic analysis technique was employed for data analysis. The  results indicated that internal challenges such as inadequate funding, limited resources, staffing problems, overcrowding, administrative  inadequacies, and diminished teacher morale were the key internal obstacles towards successful implementation of fee-free education.  This study concludes that the implementation of fee-free education policy is commendable. However, the key internal impediments  encountered by schools in implementing fee-free education need to be addressed so as to improve learning outcomes and achieve the  intended goals of fee-free education.