Leadership role in promoting youth participation in educational policy making: A case study of selected schools in Wakiso district

Abstract

Leadership involves influential authority, ethical authority of responsibility and accountability. It involves power which is the ability to get things done and also involves the capacity of a person to influence others. The study is significant to the youth, educational policy makers and planners.

The study was carried out in wakiso district and participants were selected from Kyadondo Sub County of this District. The sample size was 162 respondents in the categories of Youth, district leaders, District inspector of schools, District Educational Officers and head teachers of various secondary schools.

The research methodology was both quantitative and qualitative and the methods of data collection included focus group discussion, in depth interviews, documentary analysis and structured questionnaires

The findings revealed that participatory method is the best way to encourage youth to participate in the formulation of educational policies while commanding way was found out to be un suitable. The youth face a number of challenges in trying to participate in the formulation of policies like inadequate empowerment, insufficient channels, and low educational levels Research findings of the study answered the research objectives, by identifying the suitable leadership styles, various leadership roles, and challenges faced by the youth. The research therefore recommends that more Non Governmental Organizations [NGOS] and international Agencies should partner with the government to help out on educational related issue. The youths should be given a voice in the national and community programmer, with political empowerment and streamlining communication at all levels as some of the avenues to enhance youth participation