Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies

Aims: This study aims to compare the accessibility of school facilities in Public Secondary Schools in different locations.

Study Design: The study used a descriptive survey to gather participants' opinions about their experiences, knowledge, and feelings regarding the availability, accessibility, and management of educational facilities, as well as their responsibilities and duties in their workplace.

Place and Duration of Study: Dibrugarh District, Assam (India), and Hai District, Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), during the period from 2024 to 2025.

Study Population: A descriptive survey method was employed. A study comprises a population of 163 and 31 Public Secondary Schools in Dibrugarh and Hai district, respectively.

Sampling Technique: The study employed a purposive sampling technique to select Public Secondary Schools, principals/heads, and teachers. In India, 16 principals and 78 teachers of the Public Secondary Schools were taken from Dibrugarh district (Assam); from Tanzania, 10 principals and 50 teachers of the Public Secondary Schools were taken from Hai district (Kilimanjaro).

Data Collection: Data collection used two questionnaires and a checklist for available school facilities in Public Secondary Schools through the following dimensions: classroom facilities, library facilities, laboratory facilities, health and hygiene facilities, and sports facilities.

Results: Three-quarters of the sampled schools in Dibrugarh district had inadequate classrooms, while half of the sampled schools in Hai district had a limited number of classrooms.  More than half of the sampled schools in both districts had inadequate library facilities. A quarter of the sampled schools in Dibrugarh district had a limited number of laboratory facilities, while all sampled schools in Hai district possess laboratory facilities. More than three-quarters of the sampled schools in Dibrugarh district had a limited number of administration blocks, while only a quarter of the sampled schools in Hai district had administration blocks. More than half of the sampled schools had a limited number of washrooms, while all the sampled schools in Hai district faced a shortage of washrooms. Both districts effectively have no medical rooms and have to rely on first aid kits and adjacent health centers. Dibrugarh district is at an advantage in terms of water infrastructure, with accessible and filtered infrastructure in place, but Hai district has a seasonal water shortage and old water supply facilities. There were very few sports facilities available, and the most available facilities in both districts were football playgrounds. More than three-quarters of the sampled schools in Dibrugarh district provide multiple playgrounds, while a comparable proportion in Hai district are equipped with different sports courts.

Conclusion: The study suggests that the government and NGOs need immediate interventions to ensure that every school has adequate facilities and is equipped with important facilities, especially in schools with severe shortages, to promote equitable and quality education for all students.