Children shouldn't be sent home for unpaid fees - Bole
May 20, 2008, 11:38

Government provides tuition for all students from Class One to Form Seven and schools must not send children home for unpaid fees says the Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Mr Filipe Bole.

He made these comments in response to recent media reports on students being sent home for unpaid fees.

Mr Bole said there are other stipulated fees that most school managements levy parents and these funds are eventually utilised for the daily operation of the school.

“This is an essential part of the schools’ administrative and maintenance funding that will support the school operation requirements,” Mr Bole said.

He said the Ministry is mindful of the difficulties parents are facing and suggested that rather than paying a lump sum, it might be more prudent that payments be made in instalments.

“The situation lends itself to the need for parents to arrange with management for such workable strategies, that will assist them in completing the stipulated amount at the end of the term or the school year,” the Minister for Education advised.

Mr Bole has called on parents and guardians to be sincere in adhering to the arrangements made as schools need these fees to operate successfully.

“There are always bills to be paid, maintenance to be completed and teaching aids to be purchased.”

He added the Ministry is positive that parents, guardians and the school management will work together for the benefit of the children.


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