CoD criticises school fees

GOVERNMENT should seriously look into school development fees parents have to pay at State schools, as fees vary and the Constitution stipulates that primary education should be free, a member of the opposition has urged Parliament.

Elma Dienda of the Congress of Democrats (CoD) tabled a motion in this regard last week. Dienda said that school principals adjusted fees at will and if parents could not pay, the children suffered.”The parents sign agreements at schools, not their children, but they do not receive their reports unless fees are paid or they are even sent away, that is unfair,” Dienda criticised.On tertiary education, Dienda told the House that needy students required bigger bursaries to cover their study and accommodation fees, as well as for transport and books.”Where will the rest of the money come from if the (State) bursaries don’t cover the costs?” she asked.”Recent media reports claim that students at the University of Namibia are involved in prostitution to earn money in order to pay for their studies,” Dienda added.The debate will start next week.Dienda said that school principals adjusted fees at will and if parents could not pay, the children suffered.”The parents sign agreements at schools, not their children, but they do not receive their reports unless fees are paid or they are even sent away, that is unfair,” Dienda criticised.On tertiary education, Dienda told the House that needy students required bigger bursaries to cover their study and accommodation fees, as well as for transport and books.”Where will the rest of the money come from if the (State) bursaries don’t cover the costs?” she asked.”Recent media reports claim that students at the University of Namibia are involved in prostitution to earn money in order to pay for their studies,” Dienda added.The debate will start next week.