Stop forcing parents to pay exam fees in basic schools – Eduwatch to GES

Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) is criticizing school heads. They are demanding examination and printing fees from parents. This is happening ahead of term assessments starting on Monday, April 7.

Eduwatch reports that some schools threaten to exclude pupils. They say this is illegal and unacceptable.

“Basic education should be free, compulsory, and universal,” Eduwatch stated. They referenced Section 2(b) of the Pre-Tertiary Education Act 2020. “No child should be excluded from exams due to unpaid fees.”

The organization supports voluntary parental contributions for school development. However, these contributions should not be mandatory or linked to assessments.

Eduwatch emphasized that charging parents for assessments violates equity principles. It also goes against the law governing Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE).

They urged the Ministry of Education to provide funds for assessments. This should happen without placing a burden on parents.

“We know funding has been delayed over the years,” Eduwatch acknowledged. “But punishing parents for funding gaps is unsustainable.”

Eduwatch also called on the Minister of Education to act quickly. They want to prevent any child from being barred from exams due to non-payment.

“We urge the Director-General of GES to ensure no pupil is denied participation in upcoming exams,” they concluded.