Education Ministry clamps down on excessive graduation, supplies costs

Jun 29, 2013 News

The Ministry of Education has put a cap on the volume of contributions a parent could make for graduation exercises in light of mounting complaints from parents. In addition, guidelines have been imposed in relation to the soliciting of resources from parents.
In a press statement yesterday, the Ministry warned that head teachers who contravene the guidelines, will stand before the Teaching Service Commission’s Disciplinary Committee. And, Education Officers, who condone such illegal behaviour, would be placed before the Public Service Commission.
According to the Ministry, “We have received numerous complaints from parents regarding the amount of money requested by teachers and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) for various school-based activities and for various supplies.
Specifically, the cost of graduation exercise has been excessive for many parents and students. Additionally, parents are being requested from time to time, to supply schools with toilet paper, soap, hand towels, paper for printing exams, inter alia.”
It was noted that every child should be given the opportunity to participate in school-based activities, National Assessments, and Regional Examinations. The Ministry stated that measures are in place to ensure that students are provided with the best learning experience.
In circulars–outlining pertinent guidelines–issued to all schools via the Regional Departments of Education, the Ministry has ended growing demands of schools on parents and students for money and other supplies.
According to one of the circulars, the amount of monetary contribution for any graduation exercise should not exceed $3,000. The Ministry emphasized that the fee is contributory and it could be lower than $3,000.
The Ministry also sought to address the additional expenses involved in graduation exercises.
“Students should be encouraged to wear their respective uniforms to graduation; No student should be required to rent or purchase caps and gowns for graduation—such costs, where necessary, should be borne by the school; and in addition, students should not be prevented from school-based graduation activities because of non-payment of fees,” the release stated.
Another circular highlighting guideline in relation to the acquisition of non-budgetary funds and donations was distributed.
According to the release, no head teacher, member of staff or PTA is authorized to charge parents specific sums for Tests or End-of-Term examination papers. “Such funds can be raised through various fundraising activities, for example, cake sales, fairs, and so on, but should not be directly solicited from parents.”
In addition, the above mentioned are not authorized to request parents to supply schools with toilet tissue, soap, paper for printing, inter alia. Further, donations to school, whether cash or kind, must be entirely voluntary, and given without condition. Such donations must be entered in the school’s inventory or stock book, whichever is appropriate as stipulated by financial regulations, the release stated.
It was noted that the Heads of Departments of Education must be informed within seven working days of the donations received.
The Ministry requests parents and or community members to call any of the hotline numbers provided below if they have been required to pay more than recommended by the Ministry. The hotline numbers are as follows: 223-7891, 623-0550, 623-4010.

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Education Ministry clamps down on excessive graduation, supplies costs

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