Poll: Mixed reaction to fee-free initiative

MEMBERS of the public have mixed reactions to the Government’s decision to provide fee-free education to school dropouts enrolling in the flexible open and distance education centres.
In a random poll conducted around the country this week, some said it was unfair on students who had worked hard to progress to the higher levels of education.
Simon Jack of Central said: “This seems unfair to other students and parents who would be sweating to find money for fees in mainstream schools.”
Naomi Wase of Eastern Highlands said it was a good idea “but it should also be done for those studying in the formal education system”.
“Subsidise fees for students in Fode and in the formal education system,” she said.
The government initiative was announced by Education Minister Jimmy Uguro this week.
Philip Waigi also of EHP oppose the idea, saying students who should be exempted fees “are those who perform well academically”.
Joe Puma of Port Moresby said it was a bad decision because “it will lead to a rise in school dropouts, and the standard of education will drop because Grade 12 students will not take their exams seriously”.
Solomon Aplas of East Sepik said: “It will be unfair for other students because Fode students will be studying the same content and sit for the same exams. Best to subsidise fees for all students,” he said.
But Nelson Dala of West New Britain supported the move saying “some grades 10 and 12 dropouts miss out on upgrading their marks because of school fee issues”.