Parents must know about school projects, says official

PROJECTS in schools throughout the National Capital District should be endorsed by the parents, board of management and the education division, an official says.
Education division assistant secretary Sam Lora said there was a process to follow to have a school project approved.
Lora said if any school was planning a project to improve its facilities, the plan must be made known to the parents.
“It is important if they want the parents’ assistance. They (school) need to get their consent,” Lora said.
“The school has to carry out the scope of the project and consult the parents. If they are willing to contribute, then this must be submitted to the school board to endorse and the education division to approve based on whether they are able to carry out the project. It doesn’t stop parents from participating in any activity.”
Lora was responding to the situation at the Wardstrip Elementary School in Port Moresby which had a plan for a toilet project.
Lora said he had not received it. He said a circular from Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra was very clear on parents assisting the school.
“However it must be a visible project which the parents have agreed to. And it must receive approval of the board of governors and then submitted to the district education board for endorsement,” he said.
He said no child should be subjected to any form of tuition fees or projects fees. “Education is a partnership between parents and the school administration,” Lora said.