Investigating financial management challenges faced by school leaders in Kambimba Circuit, Kavango East Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the financial management challenges faced by school leaders at the six selected primary schools of the Kambimba Circuit in the Kavango East Region. To address this, a literature study and a detailed investigation were conducted. The study aimed to found out school leaders’ perceptions of school financial management roles, challenges faced by school leaders in managing school finances and strategies to overcome school financial management challenges. The study was hinged on a system management theory which employed a qualitative research approach for the researcher to understand the experiences of school leaders in managing school finances. In order to answer the research questions an exploratory research design was employed. Kambimba Circuit has about 13 primary schools consisting of 13 principals who made the research population; purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of six principals. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation schedule. This study found that some school leaders are not following the guidelines for the administration of school finances (operational manual) and the Education Act thereof. Since most schools are situated in the rural areas where most essential services are hardly accessed, more money is spent on transport for the procurement of stationaries and other goods. Financial committees do not receive training on time and school funds from UPE and ESG are not paid on time into school accounts resulting in schools operating on zero balance in some cases. The study also uncovered that, school leaders are experiencing challenges which include lack of budgeting skills, transport barriers, lack of essential services, lack of parental involvement and technological integration. Efficient financial management directly supports the integration of cutting-edge educational technology, the provision of high-quality learning facilities, and teacher professional development. The need for training of school leaders and financial committee, establishment of proper financial committee and a relook on the formula for allocating funds to school was identified. Kavango East Region needs to train school leaders at the commencement of the year and also on a regular basis for them to be in better position of managing school finances effectively.