By Quinton Alomp – EM TV News, Port Moresby
All schools, both government and mission agencies, that benefit from the Government’s Tuition Fee Free (TFF) subsidy are advised not to collect any project fees this year.
The final decision was handed down by the cabinet two weeks ago for a moratorium on project fees.
Education Minister, Nick Kuman, told more than 20 provincial advisors who are in Port Moresby for the Education Management Meeting this morning.
“Schools than have already collected project fees must return them to parents,” Minister Kuman said.
At the end of the teacher’s resumption week, January 29, the Education department made a formal announcement in one of the dailies for schools to collect project fees.
However, the announcement was cancelled by the department’s Acting Secretary, Dr Uke Kombra, on the Sunday before schools commenced on Monday.
The Secretary imposed a temporary ban on project fees until the NEC decision is made.
Some schools that missed out on the announcement have gone forward to collect fees.
But today the Minister came forward and announced the final National Executive Council decision.
The decision is for all schools that benefit from the TFF funds not to collect any project fees for the 2016 academic year.
Minister Kuman said the District Development Authority (DDA) is to take full responsibility of all projects in schools.
DDAs will have to use funds meant for education in the DSIP to support schools.
Dr Kombra told the provincial education advisors to implement the cabinet’s decision. He urged them to take full command and control over responsibilities in each province.
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