OBSTACLES TO THE EXERCISE OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Our research investigates the barriers to educational leadership in schools within the Ntahangwa Communal Education Directorate (DCE), Burundi, aiming to enhance school management and educational quality. We examine internal obstacles such as lack of training, overcrowded classrooms, and teacher demotivation, alongside external factors like political, economic, and social pressures that constrain principals autonomy. The study assesses how these barriers affect school performance and explores strategies to strengthen leadership. Four key questions guide our work: What internal challenges do principals face? How do external influences impact their effectiveness? What are the effects on school quality? What interventions can address these obstacles? Additionally, we analyze current leadership practices and identify best practices for improvement. Methodologically, we adopt a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data, with a focus on qualitative coding to ensure reliability.