Tuition fee in

By SAMANTHA KATI
SCHOOLS can expect in their bank accounts this week their tuition fee allocations, after the payment of K213.4 million to the Education Department for Term One, according to Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra.
And he again warned all schools not to charge students extra fees “because for the first time, we have received the funds well before the academic year starts”.
“Not only that, we also have an increase of K87.3 million this year. In total, we are receiving almost K851 million for this year’s tuition fees.”
Classes throughout the country will start on Jan 29, which is next Monday.
Kombra said the department received a warrant of K213.4 million a week ago, which was being processed to be deposited into schools’ accounts from this week.
“One problem we have with tuition fees is the accountability part of it,” he said.
“When funds come to schools, (it is) every parent’s and community member’s responsibility to hold the school board, head teacher and principal accountable.”
Kombra stressed that the school boards, headmasters and principals must report how much they have each received, where they spent the money and how much was left.
“It is not one’s private account. It is public funds. Everyone needs to know. If there is any school not doing that, you report them because accountability starts at the school level,” he added.
“Schools that managed their funds effectively will see learning taking place and growth in the institution,” he said.
Kombra reminded teachers to provide quality education and make education accessible to all children.
He also told them to get students in their local area into the classroom and to ensure they stayed there until they completed Grade 12.