Morobe delays decision to make parents pay some fees

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
Morobe has delayed the introduction of the parents’ component of their children’s school fees until more information can be given out, said Governor Ginso Saonu.
“There has to be awareness to parents, so that they will have enough time to find money for their contribution to their children’s education,” he said.
Saonu said the Gerson Solulu Scholarship scheme, to which
K4 million has been allocated by the province, will not change its criteria this year.
Saonu is aware of the increase in school fees and the increase in the demand for scholarships by tertiary students. However, to allow them to stretch the money out “the provincial administration has recommended that a parent’s component be included so that parents pay a certain percentage of the student’s school fee”.
Saonu said the province would introduce those changes next year.
He said the province was looking for local and overseas scholarship partners to help more students benefit from the scholarship.
There is also a plan to create a volunteer scheme to help students gain work experience.
“This will help students gain experience and further training before they secure employment in the public and private sectors,” Saonu said.
Applications for the Gerson Solulu Scholarship should be made online and close at the end of next month.