PARENTS OUTRAGED OVER TOILET PAPER

MBABANE – Fonteyn Primary School parents are up in arms over a new requirement that each pupil should bring 10 rolls of toilet paper and a box of printing paper. The parents argued that this practice is unacceptable, especially given government’s disbursement of free primary education (FPE) grant.  This publication had previously reported on similar complaints from parents regarding schools prescribing stationery lists despite parents having already paid school fees.  One parent said children who do not bring these items are allegedly required to pay E200 or are denied entry to their classrooms. The parent, whose child is enrolled at Fonteyn Primary, expressed shock at the school’s requirement. She explained that parents had approached the school administration about the issue.

implemented

“We were told that this was implemented because of government’s delays in paying the FPE. Therefore, while awaiting the allocation of the money, they would be using these items bought by us as parents,” she said. The parent’s concern is that the school has informed government about this new development and government will eventually pay the FPE. She questioned whether parents would be reimbursed for the items they were required to purchase. She recounted an incident on Tuesday, the schools’ reopening day, when her child was denied entry to the classroom for not having the required toilet paper and printing paper. “I had to buy it and submit it the following day,” she said. Fonteyn Primary Head teacher Sifiso Mabuza, stated that the decision for the children to bring toilet and printing paper was agreed upon by parents during the school’s annual general meeting (AGM). He denied that it was implemented solely due to delays in FPE grant payments.

practising

“Before the AGM, when I arrived at the school last year around September, the school was already practising this, but only with tissues. I only added one packet of printing paper per student,” he explained.  He noted that with over 500 pupils, these items are only expected once a year. When asked what happens when supplies run out before the end of the year, Mabuza said they request more from parents. “When I arrived last September, I found the deputy head teacher requesting these items again,” he admitted. He clarified that children are not denied classroom entry for lacking these items. Instead, a note is made on the child’s admission form, that they did not bring the tissue and printing paper and parents usually promise to provide them at a later date. Regarding the E200 fee, Mabuza explained that this was also agreed upon at the AGM.

estimate

“This money is an estimate suggested at the meeting as we want to build a kitchen, and we are still yet to engage with the Ministry of Education and Training,” he said.
He mentioned that the Rural Development Fund had pledged assistance, but requires a 10 per cent contribution from the school. Mabuza argued that the FPE grant is insufficient due to rising costs, forcing the school and parents to find alternative support methods. “We then engage with the parents, as government does not want us to include top-up fees. For its implementation, we have to seek permission from the ministry,” he said. However, Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary for Schools, Manager Lungelo Nhlengetfwa said what the school is doing is wrong, even if it was agreed upon with parents.

“This should not be happening in schools. If the head teacher had agreed with the parents, he should have approached the ministry. What they are doing is an offence,” he stated. Nhlengetfwa advised the head teacher to follow proper channels and apply for top-up fees.  “If the ministry gives the school permission for top-up fees, parents will then be given letters issued by the minister authorising the fees,” he said.

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