Enrollment fees cannot be a precondition, Govt school grants should cover necessary resources – Radrodro

The enrollment or re-enrollment of students in schools must not be subjected to fees or levies.

Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro made this statement to fijivillage News after concerns were raised about a Nausori school allegedly increasing its fees from $130 to $200, which included a $30 chaplain fee, a $25 PTFA fee, a $75 development fee, a $20 sports fee and a $50 capital fee per family.

Radrodro clarified that schools cannot withhold enrollment forms or make fee payments a condition for enrollment.

He says while schools can engage in fundraising activities, these must not interfere with the enrollment process or impose undue financial burdens on families.

He also reminded schools that government-provided Free Education Grants should cover necessary resources, and any additional levies must not be tied to enrollment.