-Education Ministry
The Education Ministry has received reports that some schools are charging exorbitant fees for students’ registration and in light of this situation, the Ministry is advising parents that only the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has the authority to approve and collect monies from parents. Additionally, before any money can be collected one third of the PTA’s complement has to give approval.
The Education Ministry is reminding head-teachers that no child must be debarred from school for non-payment of these fees.
In a circular issued last year to all senior education managers and head-teachers of all public schools, including the practical instruction centres, it was emphasised that children have a right to school without any preconditions.
The circular stressed that head-teachers and teachers are not permitted to request monetary donations from parents, members of the community, private or public agencies or other sources. Only the PTA has the authority to request donations, in cash or kind, and such decisions can be made at a meeting held in the last term of the school year to set the quantum to be requested in the new school year.
The circular also highlighted that all monetary donations must be acknowledged, kept and managed by the PTA and receipts issued by the treasurer, or any other member so authorised in writing by that body.
The executive committee of the PTA is expected to exercise authority over all monetary matters and to retain all bank accounts and records for periodic audit.
The Education Ministry has long recognised the role of parents and the community in the effective management of schools thereby ensuring positive outcomes.
School, family, and community are important ‘spheres of influence’ on students’ development and their educational development is enhanced when these three environments work collaboratively toward shared goals.