PAPUA NEW GUINEA’s Education Secretary, Dr. Uke Kombra, has issued a stern warning to school principals and head teachers engaging in the unlawful practice of charging additional fees. Dr. Kombra made it unequivocally clear that any school leaders found guilty of this offense would face severe consequences, including suspension without pay and potential legal repercussions
With a firm hand, Dr. Kombra emphasized that the government had already allocated a
substantial sum of K314 million to cover Term One tuition, boarding, and project fees for every student across the nation. These funds were disbursed directly to school accounts or provincial trust accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
To maintain order and fairness in the educational system, the Department of Education
has opted to give a grace period during the first week of the school term, refraining from immediate action against defiant head teachers and principals. However, starting on February 5th, stringent measures will be enforced against any individuals found in violation of the directives.
Despite the issuance of notices prohibiting fee collection, alarming reports have emerged of
schools persisting in demanding tuition and project fees from students and their families.
In light of these grave infractions, Dr. Kombra issued a fervent plea to head teachers and principals to cease fee collection forthwith. Moreover, he urged them to formally communicate with parents, instructing them not to remit any further fees and to arrange for the prompt reimbursement of any fees already collected.
In a bid to combat these illicit practices, parents and concerned citizens are encouraged to
report any instances of fee charging by defiant head teachers to local school inspectors or directly to the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) division. Such reports must be substantiated with concrete evidence, including notices for fees, deposit forms, receipts, and
any other relevant documentation. Dr. Kombra further outlined the protocol for schools with
genuine projects, emphasizing the necessity of submitting comprehensive project proposals
to Parents and Citizens (P&Cs), followed by review and approval from either the Provincial
Education Board (PEB) or the National Education Board (NEB). Crucially, any proposed fees
must be justified and approved by the respective PEB, with individual P&Cs given the autonomy to determine and justify fees specific to their school’s needs.
In a parallel development, Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology Minister
Don Polye announced the disbursement of long-awaited 2023 Tertiary Education Student
Assistance Scheme (TESAS) payments, totaling K30.5 million. Minister Polye assured stakeholders that all outstanding TESAS arrears had been settled, elucidating the streamlined process for students enrolled in the AES or HECAS programs to receive their entitlements as academic awards.
Highlighting the governance framework for tertiary education institutions, Minister Polye
underscored the authority of governing councils to set annual tuition fees, subject to regulatory oversight. Notably, a digitized system has been implemented to ensure transparency and efficiency in the allocation of Tesas awards, with eligibility criteria, including academic performance, rigorously enforced for both continuing and new students.
In essence, the measures instituted by Dr. Uke Kombra and Minister Don Polye signal a concerted effort by the government to stamp out corruption and ensure equitable access to education for all Papua New Guineans. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, from educators to parents to policymakers, to uphold the integrity of the education system and safeguard the rights of students to receive quality education free from financial barriers. The recent efforts to combat fee charging in Papua New Guinea’s education system signify a crucial step towards realizing the fundamental right to education for all. Led by the resolute actions of Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, these initiatives underscore a collective commitment to upholding the principles of equity, transparency, and integrity in the nation’s schools. Yet, while these measures mark significant progress, the journey towards achieving educational equity is far from over. It requires sustained dedication, systemic reform, and the unwavering support of all stakeholders.
The allocation of K314 million to cover Term One fees for every student exemplifies the government’s recognition of education as a cornerstone of national development. By directly
disbursing these funds to school accounts, the government has taken strides to mitigate the financial burdens that often hinder access to education for marginalized communities.
This proactive approach not only ensures that students can attend school without fear of additional costs but also promotes accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
However, the persistence of fee charging in some schools highlights the deep-rooted challenges that continue to plague the education sector. Despite clear directives and warnings from education authorities, some individuals remain undeterred in their quest for personal gain, disregarding the rights and well-being of the students they are entrusted to serve. Such actions not only undermine the principles of equity and justice but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, further marginalizing already vulnerable populations.
To effectively address these systemic issues, a comprehensive approach is needed—one that
addresses both the symptoms and root causes of educational inequity. This includes empowering parents and communities to advocate for their children’s rights, strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, and addressing the underlying factors that drive educators to engage in fee charging.
Empowering parents and communities is essential in fostering a culture of accountability
and transparency within the education system. By equipping parents with the knowledge and resources to identify and report instances of fee charging, we can create a network of vigilant watchdogs who hold school leaders accountable for their actions. Moreover, by fostering dialogue between parents, educators, and policymakers, we can develop solutions that are responsive to the unique needs of each school and community, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Strengthening oversight mechanisms is also critical in combating corruption and ensuring
that resources are allocated equitably. This includes establishing clear guidelines for the approval and monitoring of school projects, providing training and support to school leaders
on financial management and accountability, and promoting transparency in school financing. By holding school leaders accountable for their actions and promoting a culture of transparency and integrity, we can build trust between stakeholders and create an environment where corruption is no longer tolerated.
Addressing the underlying factors that drive educators to engage in fee charging requires a
multifaceted approach. This includes investing in the professional development of teachers,
providing adequate resources and support, and ensuring that educators are fairly compensated for their work. By valuing and supporting our educators, we can create an environment where they are empowered to act with integrity and uphold the principles of equity and justice.
In conclusion, achieving educational equity in Papua New Guinea requires a concerted effort
from all stakeholders. By addressing the root causes of fee charging and corruption within
the education system, empowering parents and communities, strengthening oversight
mechanisms, and supporting educators, we can build a future where every child has access
to the quality education they deserve. Together, let us continue the journey towards a brighter and more equitable future for all Papua New Guinea
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