Abstract:
The study sought to determine the methods used to participate the community in school
infrastructure projects. It also examined the extent and effectiveness of the community education
committee participation process. Done as a cross-sectional survey using mixed methods of
inquiry, the study targeted 1002 respondents consisting of 920 headteachers and 82 officers in
charge of District Education (DEOs) in Somaliland. The sample comprised 257 headteachers and
22 DEOs. Multi stage sampling was used. Purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of
regions, stratified random sampling to draw a sample of headteachers while simple random
sampling was used to draw a sample of DEOs. Pilot testing of the questionnaire was done on 28
headteachers.
DEOs were interviewed while Headteachers filled questionnaires. Reliability of the
questionnaire was ensured using Cronbach alpha. Empirical literature review, peer review and
pilot testing were used to ensure validity. The response was received from 20 DEOs and 247
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Rwanda Journal of Social Sciences, Humanities and Business Volume (2) Issue (2), March 2021
headteachers. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data collected from DEOs.
Headteachers data collected by questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Participating the community in decision-making, offering free labour and and fundraising were
the leading methods of participating communities in school infrastructure projects. Communities
perceived full ownership of completed school infrastructure projects. Community members were
satisfied with the schools‘ participation process. Most schools had realized their community
participation goals. The CEC process was just one of the numerous ways the community
participated in school infrastructure projects. The CEC participation method was largely working
and realising its goals. More school development could be realised if the CEC participation
process was further strengthened.
Keywords: community Participation, Headteachers, Primary Schools, Somaliland, Community
Education Committees, Education, Public Schools, Infrastructure Facilities, Infrastructure
projects
