Abstract:
The overall objective of the study was to investigate the practice and challenges of
implementing Preprimary education program in Afar region of Mile, Dubti and Aysaita
woredas and come up with some insights that would help policy makers, educationists,
experts, education bureau and Woreda education officers. To achieve this purpose,
descriptive design involving both qualitative and quantitative techniques was employed. The
total population of the study are 41 school directors, 61 priprimary school teachers, 10
supervisors and 6 experts. totally 118 populations from Dubti and Aysaita Woreda education
offices. In the determination of sample size the whole priprimary school principals, teachers,
supervisors, and experts who are found the woreda education offices were assessed. From
118 target population of the study the researcher were selected all of the populations of the
study by using comperehensive sampling techniques because the number of pupoltion is
manageble/small. Instruments used to gather data were observation, questioner and
interviews. On the other hand, secondary data were collected from official government
policies, relevant reports and publications having bearing with pre-primary program. The
data collected by quantitative methods was analyzed by using tables and percentages and
data collected by qualitative methods were analyzed thematically. In conclusion, preprimary
education organized in primary schools in the studied woredas had been the ignored cycles
of education. Little attention has been paid to the preprimary program. And, not yet received
due attention and support it deserves. Therefore, to address the gap raised, some
recommendations have been forwarded. Among the study’s recommendations, the provision
of curricular materials, teachers’ awareness raising, organization of classroom and outdoor
spaces, materials and equipment, assignment of qualified teachers, in-service training for
teachers and strengthen the linkage between parents and preprimary schools could be
mentioned. Generally emphasis should be given to the pre-primary education since it is a
foundation for competent future citizen.
