Stakeholder Participation and Performance of Funding Educational Materials for Disadvantaged Children in Rwanda

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of stakeholder participation on the performance of educational material funding projects for disadvantaged children in Rwanda, focusing on International Teams Rwanda. Methods: A descriptive research design was used, with a sample of 92 respondents including project staff, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. Analysis was conducted using SPSS v23, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results: Findings revealed that stakeholder participation in project planning enhanced performance by increasing community acceptance and fostering a sense of ownership. During implementation, stakeholder contributions in cash, labor, and materials significantly improved project outcomes. Participation in monitoring and evaluation positively influenced performance through feedback provision; however, reporting clarity remained a challenge, with mixed responses from participants. Conclusion: Effective stakeholder engagement in planning, implementation, and evaluation significantly improves project performance in terms of timeliness, scope, budget adherence, and quality delivery. The study recommends strengthening stakeholder involvement to enhance transparency, accountability, and community empowerment in non-governmental projects in Rwanda.