By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
The Head Teacher of a remote School in Nawaeb District has called on the Government to change its Tuition Fee Free Policy on the distribution of school materials.
Situm Primary Head Teacher Ursula Tura said the government should focus on providing a textbook for each of the students to use, rather than spending money on distributing materials not needed by the school.
Situm Primary is one of the biggest Schools in Nawaeb District. It has more than 1000 students and 30 students. It has been struggling to operate this year due to the delay of the Tuition Fee Free Funds.
The School’s Head Teacher said the school does not have adequate supplies of Text Books and this has affected the students’ performance.
The students are currently sharing a textbook; to 4 students during class.
Earlier this month, Morobe Provincial Administration and the Education Department signed a MoA to strengthen the decentralization of education functions.
In 2019, 85% of TFF Funds will be paid directly by the Provincial Administration to the Schools in Morobe.
The Minister for Education, Nick Kuman said the 15 percent will be held back by the Government, to cater for procurement cost, to contractor responsible for distribution of teaching and learning materials to schools in remote areas.
Today in Nawaeb District, the School’s head teacher called on the government through the Finance Minister, James Marape who present at the school to officiate the opening of their double classroom, to reconsider the strategy used in distributing school materials.
Situm Primary School closed their academic year with the official opening of this new double classroom that was funded by the National Gaming Control Board at a cost of K200 thousand.
Nawaeb District also supported with K100 thousand.
