The challenge in the maintenance of catholic schools in the light of Gravissimum Educationis, Pallisa sub county

Abstract

The research was based in Pallisa Sub County and carried out in catholic schools. The major objective of the research was to find out how best the Catholic Church can do to maintain its founded schools. This research involved the school administrators like the board of governors (catholic leaders), school management committee, head teachers and teachers, district leaders on the side of education and stake holders. The main source of information was questionnaires, interview guide, observation which was done through samples. The data was collected and analyzed using stastical procedures. The research was basically divided into five chapters. The first chapter comprised the introduction or background of the study, statement of problem, aims and objectives of the study, methodology, literature review and the definition of terms. Chapter two traced the history of Catholic Educational Institutions, role of the Catholic Church in the provision of quality education, the role of other denominations in the provision of education, the role of the government/state to education, the church and government cooperation in education and the challenges of the Catholic Church in the maintenance of their schools. Chapter three looked at the methodology the researcher used in obtaining the data from the field study. The researcher used Questionnaire, Interview guide, Observation in obtaining data. However, given the big population the researcher deemed it right to use the sampling technique of getting information and at the end he generalized. He basically concentrated on the Catholic Church leaders, head teachers and teachers from different schools, Management committee of the schools, District Education leaders and other opinion leaders in gathering information. Chapter four typically dealt with presentation of data collected and analyzed it. Chapter five dealt with the discussion of the findings and chapter six on the conclusions and recommendations made by the researcher. The study focused on how best the Catholic Church can do to maintain its schools in Pallisa sub county. The topic was chosen due to fact there is a fall in these mission schools today in terms of performance, discipline, morals and physical structures. Though there is even a new dimension which has been termed as “partnership in development.” with government but this has not created big impact. The findings of the study showed a number of important issues. It acknowledged the contribution of the Catholic Church to education. However, it also showed that the Catholic Church has not done its best in the maintenance of its schools. Therefore this Study offered a number of useful suggestions and recommendations that if the Catholic Church, parents and stake holders deed, would make the catholic schools shine.