Challenges of School-Net Implementation The Case of Public Secondary Schools in Yeka Sub-City of Addis Ababa

Abstract

This study looks into the challenges faced by public secondary schools in Yeka Sub-City, Addis Ababa, as they try to implement the School-Net program. While the goal of the program is to improve teaching and learning by providing better access to digital resources and internet connectivity, many practical problems still stand-in the way, especially in areas with limited resources. The study employed a descriptive research design and mixed approach. The target population was all public secondary schools in Yeka Sub-City of Addis Ababa City Administration, Stratified Random Sampling and Purposive Sampling technique used to select sample size of Teachers 224, Students 362, Principals 8. To understand these issues better, we used a mix of methods, including surveys with teachers and students, interviews with school IT staff and principals, focus group discussions with top students, classroom observations, and reviews of official documents. The results show that, even though many people are aware of and positive about School-Net, there are significant hurdles to making it work effectively. These include unreliable internet and frequent power outages, shortages of hardware and devices for students, limited funding for maintenance and staff training, and social inequalities that make it harder for students from poorer backgrounds to access digital tools. Differences in infrastructure from school to school, some staff resistance to adopting new technology, and a lack of ongoing technical support also slow down progress. Although national and regional policies on ICT exist, reviews of school-level plans and budgets reveal that many schools lack clear strategies and accountability measures. Overall, the findings suggest that unless there are coordinated efforts to improve infrastructure, build teachers' skills, provide continuous technical support, and ensure fair access for all students, the full benefits of School-Net cannot be realized. Achieving this will require sustained investment, ongoing professional development, effective policy implementation, and collaboration among stakeholders to close the digital divide and improve the quality of education in the area. Based on the findings from the study the gov’t has to create enabling environment, convenient to commence new approaches to implement the school-net with better way and backed with enabling policy, directives and efficient, accessible, usable and quality infrastructure in favor of promoting digital literacy and inclusion.