Education in Fiji relies on an effective and efficient partnership between Government, schools, management groups, parents communities and other stakeholders. To lighten the cost borne by parents, the Ministry of Education has extended fee-free tuition for all students from Class 1 to Form 7.
For any other additional fee, at the beginning of every year, each school is required to submit to the Ministry of Education its fee structure. Any change in the existing structure must be approved by the Permanent Secretary.
The Ministry is also aware of the need for some schools to raise funds to supplement their income to meet the growing cost of education.
In this regard, the Ministry of Education wishes to remind all school head teachers, principals and school managements of the following as cited in Circular No.9/97; 1/8/97 in regards to Fundraising in schools:
· All fundraisings that involve the collection of money from the public must have a legal permit obtained from the District Officer 7 days beforehand.
· These include lotteries, raffles and any game of chance where the prize money is over $50.00
· Each school is allowed one fund raising activity per year to be held during the week end or holidays.
· Any fundraising activity involving the use of students to collect money from the public on the streets is not allowed.
Gaming Ordinance No.65 of 1968 spells out relevant interpretations of the Gaming Act and all are advised to adhere to it.
Furthermore, it is advisable that students and teachers are not coerced into participating in such fundraising activities. Fund-raising would best be left with school managements and parents.
Filipe Bole
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.