School principals and head teachers in government funded schools that receive Tuition Fee Free are reminded not to charge any fees, including project fees or church agency fees, from students, parents or guardians.
Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra in a statement reminded schools that the NEC Decision No. 01/2016 of 04th February 2016 still stands – that no fee should be charged by government run schools.
“The National Government hasn’t changed its policy on Tuition Fee Free education for all children currently in schools around the country.
“The Department of Education has received complaints from parents, guardians and students that school administrations and school boards have asked parents to pay fees prior to enrolment.
“This is against the Government policy direction, and is deemed illegitimate, and against official instructions,” Kombra said.
However, parents and community members of schools may support and contribute voluntarily to improve school building and facilities to improve teaching and learning.
Last year, the Education Department withheld K97 million from the 2018 allocation. These funds will be paid into school accounts to commence the new school year.
A further K616 million for this year will be disbursed on a quarterly basis. This is an increase of K15 million from 2018.
Parents and other stakeholders are invited to report any particular school or institution asking for any kind of fees as a condition of enrolment to the Provincial Education Advisor, School Inspector or the Department of Education on phone 301 3437.
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