By Stanley Ove Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Catholic Principals Conference has revealed that the government’s Tuition Fee Free Subsidy (TFF) has not been paid in full to all schools in the country.
They revealed that only 70 per cent of the first payment was made, and the monies are not enough to cater for the schools’ operations to the end of term two, this academic year.
Chairman of the Catholic Principals Conference, Hillary Suamba said all schools are being silent on the issue and are now at risk of running out of funds in three months time.
Suamba said if the government cannot meet the TFF subsidy, it should allow school boards to charge parents for project fees.
Meanwhile Education Secretary, Dr Michael Tapo explained that the government has a deficit budget and will release funds when they are made available. Dr Tapo said funds will not reach all schools this term, however, a warrant of K50 million will be rolled out to schools before the end of the second term.
The secretary urged all school principals and head teachers to provide financial reports to the education department if they face financial problems, in the future.
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