Students sent home over fees

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

CONFUSION over the payment of project fees continues into the second week of school, with some students sent home after their parents heeded the Education Ministry’s directive not to pay.

Some schools in Hela, according to Awi-Pori local level government president Ailo Arapa, sent students home because they did not have any bank deposit slip showing they had paid their project fees to the school bank account.

Arapa said schools were charging parents between K250 and K300 for project fees. Arapa said parents are frustrated when schools send their children home due to non-payment of project fees.

Acting Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra had made it clear before school started last week that schools must not impose project fees until Cabinet had discussed the issue further.

Kombra’s directive reversed an earlier statement from Education Minister Nick Kuman who allowed schools to impose project fees but the amounts should be affordable for parents.

“Six schools that I visited in my district and in Tari are saying they didn’t receive tuition free fees for last quarter (in 2015) and the first quarter (of 2016),” Arapa said.

Arapa said the schools needed the money to start the academic year.

Meanwhile, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has told schools in the province not to charge any project fees. 

In a note sent to principals and headmasters, Sir Peter said the free education policy in the province remained.