Education Ministry flags gaps in Free Education Grant audits and outlines training to shore up school finances
The Education Ministry has identified a range of auditing issues in Free Education Grant (FEG) reports from primary schools, including unaccounted funds and weak documentation, as it moves to strengthen financial oversight. Senior auditor Ana Waqanisau said these problems are among the common findings, highlighting a pattern that also appears in Early Childhood Education centers.
Waqanisau noted several specific weaknesses: a lack of financial management skills, irregular banking reconciliations, absence of budget proposals when school heads and their District School Committees should be coordinating on budgeting, weak record keeping, and funds being expanded without justifiable spending records. She also pointed to misallocation of funds to unapproved expenses and inadequate financial reporting. These concerns, she said, are not limited to primary schools and have also been seen in Early Childhood Education centers; for ECEs, 500 out of 854 schools are reported as compliant.
To address these gaps, the ministry plans to roll out training for head teachers, reinforcing the need for strong governance and collaborative budgeting between school leadership and ministry offices.
Context and implications for schools
– Ensure timely submission of Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS) requirements for FEG assessments.
– Maintain thorough, auditable records of all grant expenditures, receipts, and project progress to support transparency.
– View audits as opportunities to strengthen internal controls rather than punitive measures.
– Foster closer collaboration between school leadership and ministry officials to close gaps and safeguard student access to resources.
What this signals for the broader education system
Audits are increasingly framed as constructive tools to bolster accountability and ensure the Free Education Grant reaches those it is intended to help. By tightening reporting and record-keeping, the ministry aims to protect public funds while expanding access to quality education. Past reports indicate that cases of fund mismanagement have been referred to governance bodies for investigation, underscoring a continued push for responsible use of resources and stronger governance.
Positive outlook
With clear expectations, ongoing reforms, and a focus on accountability, Fiji’s education system can strengthen trust in public funding and empower schools to tailor resources to local needs. If schools adopt robust documentation practices and proactive governance, the Free Education Grant can continue to support broad, equitable learning opportunities and better educational outcomes for students and communities nationwide.
Summary takeaway
Gaps in financial management and documentation are being addressed with targeted training and stronger collaboration between schools and the Education Ministry. The emphasis on compliant reporting and proactive governance aims to safeguard funds and improve learning outcomes across Fiji’s education system.
Additional value for publication
– SEO keywords to consider: Free Education Grant, FEG, Fiji education, school funding, financial governance, FEMIS, auditing, FICAC, school accountability, Early Childhood Education.
– Possible pull quotes:
– “Audits are not punishment; they highlight areas to move forward with confidence.”
– “500 of 854 ECE centers are compliant, showing room for continued improvement.”
– Suggested follow-ups: rollout dates for the head-teacher training, indicators of improvement in budgeting and reporting, and any early results from the new training initiative.
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