Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was identifying factors that contribute to education wastage in
government primary schools of the Malle Woreda. In this study, a descriptive research
design and a mixed method research approach were used. Data gathered from ten primary
schools through teachers and students selected by simple random sample and school
principals, PTAs, KETB and experts were selected by availability sampling techniques. The
sources of the quantitative data gathered through questionnaire were 147 students, and 126
teachers, whereas the sources of the qualitative data gathered through interview were 10
KETB, 5 experts from Woreda Education Office, 10 PTAs and 10 primary school principals.
The quantitative data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics
namely mean, frequency distribution, percentage, standard deviation, multiple linear
regression and independent t-test. The qualitative data analyzed by narration. The finding
showed that parent income level, lack of electric power, family size and parent occupation
status among major home based factors and shortage of school facility, low teachers’
competence as MoE standard requirement and teachers low motivation were among
influential school related factors. Similarly, lack of interest to education, absenteeism and
peer influence were among dominant student related factors and lack of water near to school
and conflict within community were among major external environmental factors that
contribute to education wastage in the primary schools of Malle Woreda. Thus, it was
recommended that in order to minimize the education wastage through improving dropout
and repetition rates, the school management team together with the local government are
required to work hard in awareness creation among the community regarding the
importance of education, the advantage of saving and planning of life style, and in improving
the school environment. In addition, teacher qualification, in motivating students for their
learning through committed involvement of parent, student and teacher association and in
resolving existing conflict among the community.
