Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to assess the practices and challenges of co-curricular activities
(CCAs) in Chilga Woreda secondary schools. To this end, descriptive survey method was
employed, in which both qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied. In the study 4
sample groups encompassing, 131 students, 36 teachers and 3 vice principals, 1 cluster supervisor
and 1Woreda Education Office officer totally 172individuals were participate in the study.
Purposive sampling for students and comprehensive sampling techniques for coordinator
teachers, vice principals and cluster supervisors were used to select as the samples. In order to
collect data, the researcher used questionnaire, interviews and document analyses. Questionnaire
was distributed to 36 teachers and 131 students. In addition to this, 3 vice principals and 1cluster
supervisor were interviewed. To analyze the data, frequency, percentage, mean score and standard
deviation were used. Finding of the study revealed that the practice of CCAs had low
implementation. Lack of interests, absence of experience sharing program and shortage of
provision of materials, lack of training, shortage of budget, inconvenient learning schedules were
the factors that affect the implementation of CCAs in secondary schools. Adequate guidance and
support, incentive and reward giving practices for better achievement of teachers and students
were not achieved by school leaders. So, the participation of students and teachers in the
implementation of co-curricular activities in secondary schools was low. Thus, to improve the
situation, it is recommended that training program should be organized by the school leaders and
woreda education office. Strong monitoring and feedback mechanism should be established,
adequate budget needs to be allocated by government for school, experience sharing program
within and between secondary schools in zone, region, and country should be designed and
implemented by joint effort of school, woreda education office, zone and regional education
bureau and MoE. Stakeholders such as school leaders, teachers, students and supervisors should
be participated actively for the effective implementation of co curricular activities.
