A schoolteacher from Rakiraki, Laisani Nai Senikarawa, has raised concerns regarding the inadequate monitoring of free education grants allocated to schools by the Ministry of Education. Speaking at the Nadi consultations for the Education Act Review, she lamented the troubling practice of teachers suspected of misusing these funds being reassigned to different schools without facing proper disciplinary actions.
Ms. Senikarawa emphasized the need for stricter accountability measures, questioning whether heads of schools who misuse funds can continue in their positions without consequences. “It is sad to see that classroom teachers have to suffer when the leadership is not up to par with the use of the grants,” she noted, highlighting the struggles faced by educators when financial resources are mishandled.
In response, Lyanne Vaurasi, a legal drafter for the Education Act Review Commission, acknowledged the issue and assured that accountability and transparency concerning grant usage will be addressed in the revised Act. Metuisela Gauna, the ministry’s manager for Policy, Planning and Research, also mentioned that there are existing policies to deal with such infractions. He outlined that an Audit Unit reviews all financial entries from schools, reinforcing the importance of accurate record-keeping.
This situation mirrors previous reports regarding fund misappropriation within schools, as the Ministry has referred similar cases to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for further investigation. Instances of incomplete or uninitiated projects funded by government grants have raised significant concerns, leading the ministry to stress the necessity of using educational funds responsibly.
The collective call for improved oversight and the commitment to enhance accountability are positive steps towards ensuring that educational resources are utilized effectively, ultimately benefiting students and the broader educational landscape. By fostering collaboration between the Ministry and school communities, there’s hope for a more transparent and responsible educational environment in the future.
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