https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/253 2026-05-17T02:35:31Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7065 Title: An assessment of financial management practices by secondary school heads in Zvimba district Authors: Shumbamhini, Abigale Abstract: This study made an assessment of the financial management practices in secondary schools in Zvimba district. School effectiveness in secondary schools has been impacted by the existence of or financial management practices by educational leaders. Poor monitoring, non-compliance with school rules as well as misappropriation of funds is a huge impediment to best financial management practices. The study employed a qualitative research approach that allowed the complete understanding of the financial management practices in secondary schools in Zvimba district. The study population included school heads and teachers that were recruited using purposive sampling and convenience sampling respectively. The study sample involved 15 respondents. A case study research design was employed in which 3 schools were selected. Data was gathered using interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The researcher used thematic data analyse to analyse the data that was gathered in this study. The study obtained that school heads are highly involved in financial management practices as was revealed by more than 72% of the respondents. The findings showed that school heads are involved highly in the management of school finances. The study found out that 67% (majority) of the respondents identified the following factors; lack of adequate knowledge about financial management, poor monitoring and control of school funds, unavailability of strong financial policies in schools and corruption. The study suggested that financial management practices can be improved through increased monitoring and supervisions, working with strategic 3-5 year plans, empowering the SDC and provision of in-service training for both teachers and school heads. The study recommended that strict measures and penalties should be imposed on those school heads who are involved in financial malpractices to prevent the occurrence of malpractices. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Shumbamhini, Abigale https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7063 Title: Investigating the challenges faced by government primary school heads in the implementation of inclusive education policy in Mbare-Hatfield District, Harare Authors: Ngwenya, Vimbai Abstract: In order for a policy to be implemented fully and effectively, there are key stakeholders who make sure that the policy is implemented. This study sought to explore the challenges that are face by school heads in implementing the inclusive education policy in government primary schools under Mbare-Hatfield District in Harare. Qualitative research method was adopted. A sample of 20 primary school teachers and 10 primary school heads and deputy heads were randomly and purposively selected as participants in the research. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used as research instruments. The data collected was presented in forms of tables and graphs and interpreted with support of reviewed literature. Key findings revealed that inclusive education is being implemented at a slow pace due to the challenges that school heads are facing in ensuring implementation. Among the challenges highlighted, unavailability of resources and facilities, unskilled human resources, negative attitudes of teachers and parents, weak policy implementation as well as unspecific curriculum content were cited as the challenges that school heads encounter in the process of implementing inclusive education policy. Hence, the researcher came up with eight recommendations that will help the responsible authorities to beef up their strategies and come up with policies that will allow the effective implementation of inclusive education in government primary schools. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Ngwenya, Vimbai https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7057 Title: An Investigation into the Challenges Faced by School Heads in Handling of School Finances in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Authors: Moyo, Phephisani Abstract: The major aim of the project was to investigate the obstacles faced by school heads in handling school finances. The specific objectives of the study were to: find out the obstacles faced by school heads when dealing with school finances, investigate why cases of theft are wide spread in Gwanda South District schools, evaluate the strategies employed by school heads in protecting school funds from being embezzled and assessing the effectiveness of policies set forth by the ministry of education in handling of school finances. The most important research question which this study sought to answer was ‘What challenges do school heads come across in handling school finances?’. In an attempt to realise that end, a mixed research method research design was used to collect data, using questionnaires, interviews and observations. The participants who suit the researcher’s criteria were randomly selected so as to give each member an equal chance of being selected. The findings gathered suggest that school heads face numerous challenges, in which at its core are mismanagement of funds, poor funding, temptations, inadequate security and hiring of unskilled personnel. The mentioned challenges are a cause for concern in schools as schools’ development is impended due to these challenges. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Moyo, Phephisani https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7056 Title: Strategies that can be used to ensure good practices in Health and Safety at Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level in Warren Park / Mabelreign District Primary Schools. Authors: Chakanetsa, Shailet Abstract: The focus of the study was to find out the strategies that can be used to ensure good practices in health and safety at Early Childhood Education (ECE) level. The study was a survey of Kuwadzana 3, Kuwadzana 7 and Cold Comfort primary schools in Warren Park /Mabelreign District. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and data generated was through interviews and questionnaires. Three (3) TICs and three (3) head teachers were purposively selected and thirty (30) ECE teachers were randomly selected for the study. The findings of the study showed that health and safety issues are not being observed fully in schools. Most schools fail to provide adequate safe water and proper sanitation, such as age appropriate toilets for learners. The study revealed that administrators should play a vital role in providing proper water and sanitation facilities for learners. The study also find out that, outbreak of diseases such as diarrhea are now common in learners. Lack of monitoring of learners as they visited toilets and hand washing is also a challenge in most schools. There is also no safety in learners as they engage in learning and play activities due to lack of monitoring by the teachers. Some teachers state the issue of high teacher-pupil ratio as the major challenge they face to properly ensure good health and safety practices at ECE level. The study recommends that education stakeholders may ensure provision of good health and safety practices in learners through following guidelines which are stipulated in Statutory Instruments (SI) which guide health and safety issues of learners. This can be effectively implemented through monitoring, supervising and evaluation by the responsible stakeholders. Support systems also need to play a pivotal role in supporting health and safety issues in schools. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Chakanetsa, Shailet