First Quarter TFF paid, Madang Catholic Schools to charge fees

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra has confirmed to NBC News, that Tuition Fee Free funds have been processed and should be in the bank accounts of respective schools.

Dr. Kombra says, this follows assurance from Finance Minister James Marape, to have the first quarter payment of K75 million paid to all schools Friday (03.02.17) afternoon.

"So I'll call the bank(s) to confirm that the money has gone to the school accounts, but we have processed them," Dr. Kombra said

Provincial Education Divisions have been echoing a national directive from Education Minister, Nick Kuman for schools not to impose fees on students and their parents for the 2017 academic year.

They've warned that school administrations which disobey the directive will be charged.

However, schools run by the Catholic Church in Madang province, have indicated that they will defy the national directive from the Education Minister.

Secretary of Catholic Education Services in Madang, Bruno Tulemanil, told NBC News, Catholic-run schools in the province will still collect school fees and project fees, because government subsidies under its TFF policy is often not enough to keep them operating throughout the year.

Mr Tulemanil says, the government should consider all aspects of running an educational institution before deciding to stop students and their parents from paying school fees and project fees.

NBC News/ PNG Today