The Minister of General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng Acuil has directed head teachers from schools that receive parent’s contribution fees to immediately return the money without delay.
Hon. Awut says the charges are illegal after the government declared free education in South Sudan
In February this year, President Salva Kiir declared free education at government-aided schools in South Sudan. The move hopes to promote children’s access to education.
The minister says her department learned with great corn that parents continue to pay 30 thousand Pounds per student.
She says such collections are not approved by the national Ministry of Education and collecting money illegally is a gross violation of the President’s Order.
“This payment is illegal and unauthorized; I, therefore, direct the head teachers of these schools and any other schools in the country that took money to return it to parents immediately without delay.
More importantly, all state schools should refrain from demanding money from the parents,” Awut said.
Hon. Awut warned that measures of penalties shall be taken, in case these malpractices continue in South Sudan.
“Disciplinary action will be taken against any headteacher of a state school that demands payment from parents or school children.” The Minister reiterated.
She also urges the state Ministries of Education to ensure that the republican order is fully implemented and that the Government schools do not charge parents any fees in their respective state schools.
“His Excellency the president directed the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the Ministry of Finance and Planning and development partners to implement the republican order,” she added.
The minister reiterated that the ministry of finance and planning has released funds to pay capitation grants to state schools as part of the project to implement free education.
Awut Deng Acuil calls on parents not to accept down payments of school fees to government schools in case they are demanded by the head teachers.
Minister says parents’ responsibility is to provide school uniforms, and some scholastic materials, among others for the student.