TFF shortfalls hurting schools

Education

WITH the ministry of education admitting to owing schools around the country a total tuition fee free (TFF) funds of K100 million for the second term, most schools are struggling in term three.
Only K50 million was released to schools in term three, with many schools saying they had not received the required amount.
For Morobe High School in Huon Gulf District, not much can be done with the amount received for term three, but settle outstanding loans and overdue ancillary staff payments.
Head teacher Norman Apul said K18,000 was paid for term three while K22,000 was still owed to the school.
“You cannot manage a rural boarding school with that amount these days,” he said.
“The amount received went to our credit of rations from Hasi Distributors Ltd, local zoom suppliers, boat hires from local people and school management issues like exams and curriculums.”
He said for the first quarter payments in February, was K40,000.
“The school needs K65,000 each term to operate. The payments are decreasing each term,” Apul said.
“TFF payment is insufficient and unpredictable, a school manager will not be sure how much the school will get until the money is in the school’s account.
“We follow our school’s budget and spending when we borrow, but when a lesser amount is given, this means that we will still owe our creditors some money.”
He said the only way to help schools cut down on credit is to have each district to step in and assist schools accordingly because “this is an issue.”