PNG schools

CPS PNG President Paul Harricknen was referring Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombradirective as unrealistic.

“Every year school subsidies do not reach schools on time. Schools have to run on empty for almost the whole year before some drops of their funds arrive.

“That is why schools charge project fees to help them start on a good foot for school year.”

Mr Harricknen said that any suspension of school heads questions the Government’s policy slogan of ‘Leavign No Child Behind’, when children’s education is delayed and jeopardized as a result.

The Government, through National Executive Council decision No: 25/2016, in no uncertain terms directed that no fees of any sort relating to student enrolment be imposed upon parents.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra said in line with the NEC decision, he has issued circular instructions; 2/16 and 2/17 in 2016 and 2017.

Kombra said: “Still, reports are coming in that a number of schools are imposing fees, including withholding certificates to collect so-called outstanding fees from parents. That is uncalled for.

The Secretary for Education, Dr Uke Kombra, clarified that there are TFF coordinators now in the provinces who deal directly with the issue.

Kombra said the coordinators were appointed this year to be the first point of contact for schools that have not received their TFF subsidy. The coordinators then communicate directly with the TFF team at Waigani to look into the problem.

“Any schools out there that are yet to receive their TFF must go immediately to see the coordinators in the province so we can then have a formal report to us.

The school year starts on 25 January for teachers and 1 February for students.

In the past, it has been noted that schools delay classes because they use the first week to clean their school grounds.

Department of Education has requested school caretakers, principals, head teachers, members of the Boards of Management and Governing Councils, teachers and parents to organise themselves before the first week of classes.