Investigation of the Implementation of Free Education on Community Based Secondary Schools in Bahi District Council.

The study was guided by three specific objectives including: To determine the influence of free education on the learning environment; to assess the challenges facing the implementation of free education in community based secondary schools in Bahi District and to assess the achievements of implementing free education in community based secondary schools in Bahi District. A sample of 94 respondents was used in this study, which included students, teachers, heads of schools, WEOs and DSEO. Data collection methods included; questionnaires, interview guide and documentary reviews. Data analysis employed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Analyzed data were presented in form of quotes and tables, where excel and SPSS were used in its analysis. Findings revealed that ninety-three percent of students and seventy seven percent of teachers were aware of the existence of free education policy in their areas.The study also revealed some challenges facing the implementation of free education policy in the study area like an increase of student’s dropouts due to increased enrollment, low amount of fund, congestion in classrooms, lack of enough learning and teaching books, poor knowledge on FEP among the community members and poor cooperation among the education stakeholders. Again, the achievements of the implementation of free education policy were realized in the improvement of academic results in form four national examinations results, availability of the capitation for science equipment, school fee compensation and allowances for heads of schools. The study recommends on government of Tanzania to improve the modality and amount of capital allocated to run schools, educate parents, students and communityon the concept FEP. Keywords:Influence, free education, learning environment, Bahi Distric