Practices and challenges in implementing co-curricular activities in public secondary schools of East Shewa zone

This study investigated the practices and challenges of implementing co-curricular activities in secondary schools in the East Shewa Zone. The study employed a mixed research approach and descriptive survey design. In this study, 130 teachers and 336 students were selected through simple random sampling, and 12 principals and five supervisors were selected using a purposive sampling technique from six secondary schools. Data were collected via questionnaires from teachers and students, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with principals and supervisors to triangulate findings. The results of the study revealed that co-curricular activities were largely neglected in secondary schools. Most teachers, students, principals, and supervisors perceived that the current level of implementation was inadequate. School clubs lacked effectiveness, and team spirit among members was also weak. Key challenges included poor commitment from school management, exclusion of co-curricular activities from school plans, lack of initiation programs for students, and absence of regular monitoring systems for clubs. Additionally, the finding reveals that there is a statistically significant difference in the implementation of co-curricular activities across the schools. The commitment of school management and teachers was one of the major problems in the schools.