Heads of schools in the Northern Division have urged the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs to clarify the approval process for organized school activities during and after official school hours. This request came up during a public consultation for the Work Care Bill and the Accident Compensation (Amendment) Bill at Labasa College, where committee chairperson Sakiusa Tubuna emphasized the importance of having proper authorization for school events.
In discussions, head teachers proposed that daily programs, such as sports and bazaars, should be managed by the school management and board. For larger events, they seek approval from the Ministry of Education’s permanent secretary. Muanidevo Primary School’s head, Darshan Singh, pointed out that organizing athletics and team sports with neighboring schools often necessitates approval due to the complexity involved.
Singh raised concerns about the challenges faced by rural schools in obtaining timely approvals, particularly when internet connectivity is limited. He suggested granting heads of schools the authority to approve smaller, immediate programs to streamline the process. Additionally, Valelawa Primary School head teacher Abinesh Prasad highlighted the need for clear responsibility regarding teachers who voluntarily assist with events after hours, especially in the case of accidents.
In response, Tubuna assured participants that discussions would take place with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Employment over the approval authority, aiming to relieve the permanent secretary’s workload while enhancing the management of school events to ensure student safety.
These discussions reflect the ongoing efforts to promote a more efficient and effective framework for managing school activities that prioritize student well-being and draw on local governance. By empowering school leaders with more authority, there is hope for a more collaborative and responsive educational environment where programs can be executed smoothly without unnecessary delays. Such changes can potentially enhance the overall student experience and foster better educational opportunities across the region.
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