An Assessment on the Challenges Faced by School Heads in Financial Management. The Case of Mudzi Central Cluster in Mudzi District.

Abstract

The study sought to assess the challenges faced by school heads in financial management in Mudzi Central Cluster in Mudzi District in Mashonaland East Province. The study employed qualitative research methodology. The target population for the study was ten school heads for the ten schools within the cluster, five school deputy heads, ten teachers, one district education inspector and five School Development Committee members. Data was gathered through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The study sample was selected through the use of convenient sampling, snowball sampling as well as purposive sampling. A sample size of thirty one was used to validate the research. The researcher gathered that school heads have numerous of duties and responsibilities. In addition, SDC members are not capable of some of their duties and responsibilities. Above all, it was gathered that school heads need intensive training in financial management. To address the challenges the researcher recommends that promotion of school heads be upon having a degree in Educational administration or relevant financial management qualifications. There is also need for intensive training courses for the to-be heads on financial management. There is also need for trimming off some of the duties of the school heads for them to be effective and efficient in financial management. Training the SDC on basic financial management through workshops was also recommended.