Hike in fees hits widow hardest

A widow is worried she will not be able to pay for her son and sister’s university fees.
“I really want my son and sister to get registered this year, but that is not possible,” Julie Timbi said about their University of PNG fees.
“I saved K4000 for them from the little I earn from selling my fresh produce.
“Surely it’s not enough to pay for both their school fees.”
Timbi’s case is perhaps typical of an ordinary PNG family, particularly a single parent who is working extremely hard but struggling to afford school fees without a fixed job and income.
She is not only worried about compulsory and accommodation fees but is concerned about government scholarships that are supposed to help lighten the fees burden on parents.
The scholarships help but fees are simply unaffordable, Timbi added.
“The school fees are very high,” she said.
“I will not be able to pay the total of K16,659, which is the total amount of the 50 per cent each for my son and sister’s fees required to be paid before they are registered and accommodated.”
“I have four other children who will be attending secondary and primary schools, it’s becoming very difficult.”
With accommodation a worry for her too, Timbi hopes her son and sister will reside on campus where it’s safe and easier for their studies.
Timbi is from Western Highlands and lives at 8-Mile (ATS) outside Port Moresby. She sells fresh produce and chickens for a living.