Fees compulsory for Schools to commence
Because of this, concerns have been raised by head teachers of some schools following the warning given by the Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra to stop schools from charging project fees.
Provincial Program Advisor (PPA) for Education in Morobe Mr. Keith Jiram confirmed that the circular from the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision providing directives to stop schools from imposing project fees was received; however he stated that it is now in question as to when tuition fee free funds will be released to school accounts.
Mr. Jiram stated that principals and head teachers of urban schools have voiced that their schools have not much funds to start this academic year, hence the Provincial Education Board (PEB) has approved for parent support fees to be imposed so as to ensure that schools can still commence whilst awaiting for the TFF funds to be released.
Mr. Jiram said parents are asked to pay 50% of the total PEB approved support fee amount allocated to elementary, primary, secondary and vocational schools as K200, K300, K600 and K500 respectively.
Head teachers from various schools echoed that charging project fees has become rather compulsory if schools wish to continue operating as TFF funds from the government have been delayed in the past which currently remains the case.
“Currently the TFF has not yet come in and we need money to commence operations and imposing project fees will assist us in ordering stationery, paying for electricity and water bills as well as issuing of uniforms and also to complete some of the schools projects” said a head teacher who further added that parents were willing to pay their children’s project fees.
Mr. Jiram further stated that it is unclear when TFF funds will be released hence the support fees will go towards assisting schools until funds from the government come through. PNGFM / PNG Today
Post a Comment