Factors influencing sustainability of donor funded projects: a case of smasse project in tetu sub-county, kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the factors influencing the sustainability of donor funded SMASSE project in Tetu sub-county. The study was guided by three research objectives. Research objective one sought to determine the extent to which financial resources influence the sustainability of SMASSE project , research objective two sought to establish how principals support influence the sustainability of SMASSE project while researcher objective three sought to assess how teachers‘ attitude influence the sustainability of SMASSE project in Tetu sub- County. The study found out that financial resources contributes the sustainability of SMASSE project to a great extent as indicated by majority 91(62.8%) of teachers. Findings on the influence of teachers‘ attitude and the sustainability of SMASSE project revealed that Science and mathematics teachers‘ attitude toward SMASSE influence the sustainability of the project as indicated by majority 76(52.4%) of teachers. The study also found out that teacher‘s attitudes towards SMASSE project is acquired from INSETS attended. Majority 121(83.4%) of teachers strongly agreed that teachers attitudes influence future behavior of SMASSE project, 127(87.6%) of teachers disagreed that all science staff were trained with skills related with what they were doing, teachers further strongly agreed that Professional development programs for science teachers are beneficial in changing teachers‘ attitudes and that SMASSE INSET provides a basis for thoughtful planning for effective teaching. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that financial resources contributes to the sustainability of SMASSE project to a great extent. The study also concluded that funding affects the project sustainability. The study also concluded that better financial analysis was required for the sustainability of SMASSE project. It was also concluded that SMASSE project does not get enough financial support from donors for its sustainability and that SMASSE project funds availed were not spent strictly on the set budget. The study concluded that school principals‘ support contributed to the sustainability of SMASSE project to a very great extent and that principals should mobilize the available resources. It was also concluded that school principals were effective in management of curriculum activities and that principals need to hold individual conferences with teachers. Based on the findings the study recommended that to enhance capacity in mathematics and science teachers in terms of teaching methods, knowledge and management of experimental equipments in mathematics and sciences is important. SMASSE programs also need to be strengthen through funding. Mathematics and science Teachers should be provided with SMASSE INSET for thoughtful planning for effective teaching of mathematics using ASEI/PDSI approach