Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the challenges of effective utilization of financial resources in
Primary Schools of Naider Adat Woreda, which is found in Tigray Region, Central Zone. To achieve the
intended objective, a descriptive survey design with mixed approach was employed. A total of 112 (31%)
sample population (5school cluster supervisors, 5 principals, 30 PTAs and 72 teachers) were included in the
study. Comprehensive sampling technique (for the supervisors) and stratified random sampling technique (for
teachers) and simple random sampling tecnique for PTAs and principals were used to select the target
participants. The major data gathering instruments were questionnaire, interview and document reviewing.
The collected data were organized, analyzed and interpreted quantitatively under each table using
percentages, means and standard deviations, and qualitatively using narrations or word descriptions. The
results revealed that the practice of school finance management is believed to be the prominent role of the
school principals. Personal decisions concerning school finance resource management often perceived and
remained the responsibility of the school cluster supervisors and school principals. Stakeholders’ lack of
interest, motivation and commitment in school finance resource allocation and utilization practices were found
hindering factors. Improper monitoring and supervisory support given to the schools by responsible
bodies, unwise use of school financial resources and absence of proper & regular monitoring and
auditing (-including reporting), lack of experience sharing and scaling up of best practices regarding
school finance allocation and utilization were also found hampering factors that are affecting the
school finance management effectiveness that need immediate attention. Based on the findings and
conclusion drawn, recommendations were forwarded. For instance, concerned bodies should create short term
training opportunities to school leaders including teachers and other community representatives such as PTAs
& KETBs to freely be able to discuss and exchange experiences of their performances and school finance
management practices to scale up the best achievements through workshops, seminars and meetings, and the
responsible bodies should also provide school communities with materials and moral incentives for those who
played the school finance management roles effectively and efficiently. So that, better improvement of
shared school finance management practices in the schools and improved stakeholders’
performances and overall school achievements can be obtained in return.
