With the 2021 academic year scheduled to start on Monday, February 1, schools around the country have been warned not to disallow the enrollment of any student over the non-payment of fees.
Education Minister Jimmy Uguro issued this warning recently and said special arrangements could be made between parents and the schools to pay the required fees over a period during the school year.
He added while every child has the right to education schools also need funds to operate and encouraged parents to pay their 38 percent as early as possible.
Parents are urged to pay half of their contribution at the start of the school year and the balance before the end of Term Two.
The Government would pay its 62 percent component of the school fees before the end of Term Three.
“It is the parents’ responsibility. The government is there to support,” says Uguro.
He also called on provincial governments and district development authorities to assist schools and parents.
“In the spirit of partnership, we urge every provincial government and district development authority to help schools and especially parents who may struggle to pay their component of the fees.”
Eight provinces – East New Britain, East Sepik, Eastern Highlands, Enga, Milne Bay, Morobe, New Ireland, and Northern – have signed an agreement with the Government to manage government school fee grants/subsidies.
