Heads of schools and their management committees are being held accountable for the upkeep of their institutions. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro issued this warning after concerns arose regarding the alleged mismanagement of public funds intended for the maintenance of Nabua Primary School, where the facilities were found to be in a state of disrepair.
Mr. Radrodro emphasized the importance of community involvement in the stewardship of schools, stating, “Unless school committees and communities take ownership of their schools, the quality of education will always be questionable.” He announced plans for enhanced collaboration with community leaders, stakeholders, and district officials to address the infrastructural needs of schools.
Additionally, the Ministry clarified misinformation regarding a transportation issue at Natusara Primary School in Kadavu. A committee member had claimed that transport operators were refusing to transport students due to non-payment of assistance. Minister Radrodro reassured that this disruption would not impact the Year 8 examinations, which students had already completed earlier in the term. He confirmed that classes at Natusara Primary School resumed normally, with transport services reinstated.
Further, the Education Minister confirmed that payments for transport assistance have been processed at the standard rate of $1.12, stating that it typically takes about five working days for these payments to be completed upon receiving the necessary documents. The Ministry has encouraged vendors to provide the required paperwork, including requests from service providers and letters from schools and communities.
This situation presents an opportunity for positive change within the education sector. By addressing maintenance issues and ensuring proper funding for transportation, the government aims to create a more robust educational environment for students. This collaborative approach could lead to improved infrastructure and potentially enrich the learning experience for students across the region.
In summary, the Minister’s proactive stance on school management and community engagement indicates a commitment to enhancing educational standards, which could lead to long-term benefits for students and their communities.
Leave a comment