The National Coordinating Committee on Children (NCCC) is concerned at the inconsistent levies charged by schools around the country.
It is concerned that one school in Suva is charging parents to pick up Enrolment Forms from the School Office.
Such practices and the high levies charged by schools may be a mitigating factor in discouraging children from school enrolment as some parents may not be able to pay for these various charges.
The disadvantaged and the poor will be the most affected by such high levies.
The NCCC is committed to the creation of a more child friendly environment in all spheres of the society.
The NCCC urges the Ministry of Education to look into this matter and develop a policy that must ensure that there is consistency amongst schools on the rates that they charge students.
The NCCC is willing to enter into dialogue with the Ministry of Education to help develop a policy that will ensure there is consistency and fairness on charges levied by schools.
Education is undoubtedly of paramount importance and all stakeholders must ensure this is easily accessible to all children no matter what backgrounds they come from.