Challenges Facing Development and Operationalisation of Community Secondary Schools in Tanzania: A Case of Makete District

This study has been looking for the challenges facing the Community Secondary Schools (CSSs) in Tanzania: using Makete as a case study. Specifically tried to look for the development and operation of these schools as well as the performance of Form four students (“O” level) during National Examinations. Also the contributions, support of Government and community members in all efforts of developing and operating the CSSs. The sampling techniques used were purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through interview, focus group discussion, questionnaires, documentary review and observation methods but secondary data was essential for comparisons of the trend for academic performance of students which needed to meet the Tanzania education Standards. The analysis of what was processed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) as a simple statistics for analysis of the quantitative data packages, Microsoft excel for processing while Microsoft word for report writing. While qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Findings revealed that CSSs face a lot of challenges which is a setback for quick development and daily running for improved quality education provision. The challenges include inadequate funds for operating and development, inadequate support from the community members due to poor perception and attitude toward CSSs, caused by lack of education and poverty. Other challenges include inadequate and poor infrastructures, such as laboratories and their facilities, libraries, dormitories, classrooms, staff houses and shortage of qualified teachers. Students are not doing real practicals due to inadequate laboratories, and hence poor academic performance is enormous