Private schools are taking advantage

Apr 30, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The world is fighting a battle that seems to be getting the better of us with the COVID-19 pandemic, and while some countries are offering stimulus packages to its citizens,
Guyana is not one of those countries. Many parents have suffered financially, whether through the loss of jobs, reduced working hours, and/or the closure of their business due to the pandemic.
Recently, I saw a letter being shared on social media signed by the principal of a private school for tuition fees to be paid, the letter states that there is 20% reduction in the tuition fees, with teaching being done across two platforms – Zoom and Google classroom.
Now I do understand that our children need to be educated during this time and I, like most parents, would welcome this initiative; however, there are a few questions and/or concerns that I have. Given that school was closed one month early due to COVID-19 and parents would have paid in advance for a full term, which should have ended in April for Easter, what happens to that money that was paid?
The school is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees, yet parents would be burdened with the addition of an increase in their electricity bill; would have to spend to have internet whether it be cellular, DSL/Blaze or from a third party ISP. Also, those that do not have access to a computer or tablet would have to spend money to buy one or the other. Not to mention that mortgages, rent and utilities still need to be paid, on top of groceries, which seem to be increasing with each passing day.
These are additional expenses on the parents, with only a 20% reduction in the tuition fees. The Ministry of Education has made online teaching available for government schools, so why should I not access this service, given the fact that I lost my job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention the hundreds of parents who have also lost their jobs or who have seen a reduction in their earnings due to this.
And how effective is this teaching method, since it is something new to our students?
I understand and empathize with all the teachers who have been affected by this, but this is not an isolated problem, and it affects each and every Guyanese.
Concerned parent

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