The Participations of Non Governmental Organizations in Education Service Delivery in Gedeo Zone: Ethiopia

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been assisting the people of Ethiopia with charity, relief and development activities especially since the major famine of 1983/85. The aim of this study was to assess the participations of NGOs in education service delivery in Gedeo Zone. The research is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research in its approach. The researcher collected primary and secondary data from the NGOs, government officials and beneficiary communities. Accordingly, the study found that NGOs role in education includes direct service delivery, capacity building, material contributions and school constructions. The study also found that even though, NGOs involvement has benefited the local community; their operation is not diversified functionally and geographically. Except pre- education and non formal education, NGOs role in direct provision of education service is limited to specific area. This is mainly due to the constraints like: luck of sustainable finance, lack of cooperation from concerned government bodies, lack of community support, capacity problem and government interference. Therefore, building local revenue source and mobilizing community support have sought to reverse lack of financial sustainability and enhance NGOs contribution. Finally, capacity building, improving financial management, cooperation and networking among NGOs and support from government are recommended. Keywords: Education, NGOs, Service, Woreda, Schoo