THE ROLE OF BURSARIES IN ADDRESSING PROBLEMS EMERGING FROM INJUSTICES AND INEQAULITIES. A CASE STUDY APPROACH

Abstract

Aim: The study explores the extent to which bursaries offer solutions to problems emerging from injustices and inequalities in Malawian Secondary Schools. It examines how bursaries are implemented in secondary schools and explores how beneficiaries perceive bursaries in Malawi. Theory: The study adapted the social justice theory from the perspectives of Griffiths (1998) to explore the extent to which bursaries offer solutions to injustices in Malawian secondary schools. Method: The study took a qualitative approach based on interpretivist paradigm. The case study approach was used. Interviews and focus group discussions were used as the main sources of data collection. A total of seven one to one interview were used with four mentor teachers, one deputy headteacher and two bursary official administrators. A total of four focus group discussions were conducted each comprised of ten participants. Data was analyzed using an inductive analysis approach. Results: The study found out that, bursaries in themselves have the capacity to address injustices yet in practice a number of issues hinder the progress of the bursary to effectively deliver the intended purpose.