Assessment of Environmental Awareness on School Communities in Elfeta District, Selected Schools, West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental Awareness on School Community at Elfeta District. The researcher has used descriptive study design with both quantitative and qualitative data. Simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of sample respondents from the study population. Accordingly, 4 Student Family Committee, 16 teachers and 334 students were included in the study. Questionnaire and interview were used to gather data from both teachers & student. Quantitative data from students and teachers were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results of the study revealed that a low level (58.8%) of environmental awareness among participant students was reflected. Moreover, it is understood that environmental disclosures made in schools are insufficient and the participation level of students to environmental activities is low. In addition worn out papers and public urination are the major wastes created in public schools of the study district. It can be also concluded that the source of information & knowledge in relation to environmental issues to primary & secondary school students is media. Lastly, in the study schools the awareness creation program increases as grade level of students’ increases. Finally the present study of environmental awareness among secondary & primary school students has low level of awareness. Based on the study results we recommend that school community should be made aware about environmental issues such as environmental protection activities, soil erosion, solid waste disposal, environmental pollution and its conservation.