Parents retain role despite fee-free education policy

PARENTS will continue to play a role in supporting key needs in public primary schools, including meals and learning materials, even as free basic education remains in place.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Dr Festo Dugange, told the National Assembly that the 2016 fee-free education policy clearly outlines responsibilities on both sides.

He was responding to a basic question from Segerea MP (CHAUMMA), Ms Agnesta Kaiza who in her basic question sought clarification on the government’s position regarding parental contributions for examinations, extra lessons and school meals.

Dr Dugange said Education Circular No. 3 of 2016, which guides the implementation of fee-free basic education, assigns parents the duty to ensure children have uniforms, learning materials, food and access to health services.

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He said that, in efforts to improve learning and student welfare, school committees and boards have been introducing contributions through parents’ meetings. However, the Deputy Minister made it clear that such contributions must follow proper procedures.

“To control unregulated contributions, regional secretariats and local government authorities have been directed to ensure that any contribution is approved through official parents’ meetings and endorsed by school committees or boards,” the Deputy Minister explained.

For boarding students, he added, all required items and contributions are already specified in official joining instructions issued to parents.

Dr Dugange told the august House that close monitoring is ongoing to ensure compliance, warning that disciplinary and administrative measures are taken against any leader or teacher who introduces contributions outside approved channels.