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

Fredrick Mwakisambwe & Elizabeth Msoka
St John’s University of Tanzania
Email: mwakisambwefredrick@gmail.com

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.