“We do not want the schools or the management to impose any levy on the students and their parents without the proper approval of the Education Ministry.”
These are the comments of Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy following concerns raised in relation to Veiuto Primary School which was asking parents of a particular school house for a levy of $80 per family for the school’s Fun Day this Saturday.
Dr Reddy confirmed earlier today that schools will not be undertaking any fundraising unless it is properly sanctioned by the Ministry of Education.
Dr Reddy had earlier confirmed that an approval was given by a lower ranked staff for the Veiuto Fun Day levy without their knowledge and this has now been cancelled.
Fijivillage has also spoken to the Chairperson of Veiuto Primary School Parents and Teachers Association Selina Kuruleca.
She confirmed that they have now received a letter which states that they cannot have the Fun Day this Saturday.
Kuruleca said they want an urgent audience with the Minister.
Under the 2014 National Budget, every primary school receives $250 per child per year.
Kuruleca said for Veiuto, the school needs more than $390 per child per year to run the school with all the services.
She said they would also like to discuss the issue on whether the government can give an additional $150 per child on top of the $250.
Another option is asking the parents to pay for the shortfall.
Kuruleca said Veiuto had asked for $80 per child as school user pay levy earlier this year.
She said this is now insufficient as the cost of providing other services like - provision of exercise books, swimming classes, payment of handymen and groundsmen, insurance for children relating to accidents in schools and provision of sanitary bins for senior girls - are not included in the school grants given by the Education Ministry.
We are contacting the Education Minister on these issues.
He is now in a meeting and could not be reached for comments.
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