Although concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of the Free Education Grant, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says the current allocation is “convenient for now,” as it is based on an analysis of student numbers, with each student receiving a set amount per year.
During the Fiji Law Society Convention in Nadi last week, Fiji National University Council member and policy advisor Dr Priscilla Puamau said that while the Free Education Grant provides essential funding for schools, it remains insufficient for many institutions.
Dr Puamau said many schools struggle to meet operational costs and sustain learning facilities, despite the government’s ongoing commitment to free education from early childhood through to secondary level.
Responding to these concerns, Radrodro told fijivillage News that he is not aware of her comments and clarified that the grant is designed to cover the operational needs of schools under six specific funding platforms.
He emphasised that school levies are not mandatory, as the government’s free education policy already provides comprehensive coverage from early childhood education (ECE) to secondary school.
Radrodro says that any fundraising activities initiated by schools or their stakeholders must follow established policies, and events held within school premises require ministerial approval, while external events do not fall under school requirements.
He says that while some schools claim the current funding is inadequate, most have appropriately utilised the grants provided.
Radrodro adds that while the government continues to assess education funding, the current grant remains a practical arrangement.
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