02 Nov 2015

Parents have been urged to commit to paying the school development fee for the benefit of the school and the student population.

In an interview, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development principal public relations officer, Mr Silas Sehularo said the school development fee is an initiative introduced by Parents Teachers Associations for government schools across the country. However, he said  it seems most parents have turned a blind eye to the issue.

Mr Sehularo said the main aim of the development fee is to raise funds to assist in developing schools in terms of infrastructure and support school activities such as prize giving, anniversary celebrations, victory celebrations and other events common in schools. 

Mr Sehularo stated that the fee differs from one school to another and from one level to another. 

He said each school and its PTA comes up with a decision determining amount to be paid, but nevertheless said the schools and PTAs may be guided by the ability of parents to pay the agreed amount. 

He confirmed that in most schools, the fee is paid once for the whole duration of the primary and secondary school course, adding that like any other PTA funds, the development fee is managed by PTAs . Mr Sehularo said the school development fee should be paid by all students, but it is not always the case. 

Mr Sehularo encouraged parents to be committed to paying the school development fee for the benefit of the school and the student population.

Although he confirmed that no worst thing would happen to students for defaulting to pay fees in the school, he said the schools always resort to encouraging and persuading students to pay required fees. 

He said students are not punished or suspended for unpaid fees, adding that just like any other fee, if the student did not manage to pay the fee, the school would not bar students to attend classes or school. 

He also stressed that completed students who would have not managed to pay the fee or school fees, the school arrange with their parents to commit to terms of payment. He also pointed out that no school is allowed to withhold certificates of students for not having paid fees in the school. Ends