About 100 pupils were reportedly sent home from Joy Mungungu Senior Primary School at Rundu’s Tumweneni informal settlement during registration last week after their parents failed to contribute to the school development fund.
The move sparked protests by parents at the school on Monday.
Maria Kayana said her child was among those sent home during registration.
“My child was sent home because I could not pay the N$210 contribution, which I do not have at the moment. I asked if I could be given until the end of the week to pay, but was told they would rather enrol a pupil whose parents can afford to pay,” she said.
Another parent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his five children were sent home for the same reason.
Kavango East education director Christine Shilima on Monday said the school board had decided to raise funds through the school development fund for temporary classrooms to alleviate overcrowding caused by high enrolment.
She confirmed that pupils were turned away at registration points, but said she has since intervened and pupils are expected to return to school on Tuesday.
Shilima further defended the school board’s urgency in building additional classrooms, saying the area is unsafe for children attending afternoon classes, and many face harassment by criminals on their way home. — Nampa
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