Debtors Management in Gokwe East Cluster Day Secondary Schools, Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the effectiveness of debtors’ management in Gokwe East cluster day secondary schools. Data was collected from a sample of 180 respondents from six cluster schools selected using both the census and stratified random sampling techniques. The descriptive survey used semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observation to collect data. Data was analysed using qualitative methods. The study revealed that school development projects were stalled by non-payment of fees. All schools used the school morning assemblies to ask learners to remind their parents to settle school debts. Letters of appeal to leadership and parents were also being issued. Debt collectors were not being used to help the situation in all schools in order to maintain healthy school-community relationships. In light of the findings, this study advises that parents be educated on financial management so that schools do not over-budget and then go on to suffer unilaterally for the rest of the year.

Keywords: Challenge Debtors’ management, Learners, Community, Day secondary schools.