The Ministry of Education has received concerns and complaints from the public about the unfair enrolment criteria that prominent secondary schools in the major urban areas have developed which can be discriminatory, discouraging and very selective.
While acknowledging the concerns and complaints raised, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says all schools should enroll students of different academic abilities to challenge its teachers in their capacity to develop and nurture students to be independent and active learners.
He says schools should also provide supportive programs that empower struggling learners.
Radrodro says the Ministry promotes equality and equity in education and Heads of Schools are reminded to be transparent with their enrolment process.
He says consideration should also be given to those students who live within walking distance of the school.
The Minister has also reminded all principals and head teachers that academic achievements should not be the sole criterion for enrolment as this is a dire contradiction of the Ministry’s advocacy towards holistic education.
Parents are urged to sit with their children and make it known to them that all schools are the same and teachers are equally qualified. He says this should also challenge all heads of schools to improve the image of their school by working closely with school management, parents and teachers on strategies to market and attract students to their schools.
