Assessment of the Implementation of Free Education Policy in Secondary Schools in Mafia District: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Mafia, Tanzania.

This study assessed the implementation of free education policy in selected secondary schools in Mafia. Four objectives: were; to assess the perception of education stakeholders on the implementation of free education policy in Mafia secondary schools; to assess the challenges resulted from implementation of free education policy in Mafia district; to assess the achievements attained due to implementation of free education policy in Mafia district and to analyses the strategies to improve free education policy implementation in selected secondary schools in Mafia district. The survey design guided the study. Questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and observation were used methods. The resulted indicated that parents were positive towards free education. This is because the policy has lessened burden of parents to pay fee and children even from low economic ability are attending and completing schools. However, there those who perceived it wrong that, under FE government should shoulder expenses such as textbook, exercise books and uniform. The study showed congestions due to high enrolments; the schools were not providing meals. Removal of restriction from free improved school learning environments (laboratories) for doing science practical were noted as achievement of FE. Result indicates of improved pass rate. Educating parents on their role in FE, improve capitation grant to schools employing more teachers and offer food were recommended as ways to improve FE policy in Mafia District. Provision of food to learners, employing teachers, and capitation grant increase and educating parents were Recommendations. Keywords: Free education, policy, secondary schools, Mafia District