Heads of schools and management committees have received a formal warning for failing to uphold their responsibilities in maintaining school facilities. The notice from Education Minister Aseri Radrodro follows the discovery of poor maintenance conditions at Nabua Primary School, where public grants intended for upkeep were allegedly misused, leading to the deterioration of school buildings.
Minister Radrodro emphasized the importance of community engagement in school management, stating, “Unless school committees and communities take ownership of their schools, the quality of education will always be questionable.” To encourage accountability and collaborative efforts, he has directed the involvement of community leaders, stakeholders, and district officials to address the infrastructural needs of schools.
In a related issue, the ministry has addressed claims from a committee member of Natusara Primary School in Kadavu regarding disruptions in student transportation. The minister clarified that transportation interruptions would not impact Year 8 examinations, which had already occurred, and confirmed that classes were functioning as normal. He also assured that payments for transportation services, billed at a standard rate of $1.12, are being processed, with expected resolution within five working days.
The ministry is urging vendors who require additional vouchers to submit necessary documentation, including letters of request and cost analyses, to facilitate payment processing.
This proactive stance by the Ministry of Education reflects a commitment to improving the quality of education and infrastructure in schools, fostering collaboration between school management and the broader community. Positive outcomes can be expected as the government works to address these challenges, ensuring that students have access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
In summary, the article highlights the Minister’s call for accountability among school leaders and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in education while addressing issues surrounding student transportation and payment processes.
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