Parents urged to monitor schools

PARENTS should keep a close eye on the management and use of funds given to their schools as the funds belong to them and their children, Minister for Education Theo Zurenuoc says.
Zurenuoc said the successful administration of the free and subsidised education policy called for parents, as the direct beneficiaries, to be fully involved in taking ownership of this policy.
He said the policy’s successful administration at all levels required mutual collaboration between all stakeholders –  church agencies, school administrations, school boards, provincial and LLGs and parents.
Zurenuoc said the implementation of the policy would effectively minimise the financial burden hindering parents from enrolling children and at the same time achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the outcomes of education in the National Plan.
“The resourcing and implementation of the policy remains the greatest challenge as the policy will require additional infrastructure, qualified teachers, quality curriculum materials and text books.”
Zurenuoc said no child should now be turned away from classes for non-payment of fees.
He said proper administration of the money must be seen by parents for basic maintenance and rehabilitation to be done in keeping the schools running for the year.