Online ReporterDebra Matabvu
THE Government’s school feeding programme is set to continue this term, buoyed by the bountiful harvest from the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, while measures will be taken to ensure compliance with procurement procedures and staff placements as the new school term begins this week.
An ongoing comprehensive audit of schools, launched to assess how they are adhering to national education policies and financial rules, has since exposed some gaps.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail ahead of the reopening of schools on Tuesday, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata said this year’s bumper harvest guarantees “an uninterrupted supply of the much-needed grain and other necessities”.
“We are going to go ahead with the school feeding scheme,” she said.
“It might not be on the full throttle that we have been administering, given that most families will have at least a hot meal in the morning and maybe in the evening also. So, we will see, but we are still going to continue with the school feeding programme. We will maybe be targeting the most vulnerable learners, but the programme will continue. The ministries of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare will inform us more about the programme, but as per now, the plan stays in place.”
Audit
Deputy Minister Gata said there was also need for continuous professional development of school staff.
“We will share with you the findings of the comprehensive audit of schools that is currently underway later,” she added.
“Suffice to say, I can share that preliminary observations indicate a need to strengthen compliance in some schools. This relates particularly to areas such as procurement procedures and the placement of staff, where there are existing rules and standards that must be followed.
“We have also identified the importance of continuous professional development for school staff, particularly those involved in procurement and school administration, so they are well-informed about their roles and responsibilities. Our work has been supported by anti-corruption agencies, which have helped equip procurement committees and school administrators with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure compliance.”
Fees
Increases in school fees, she said, require formal approval.
“The ministry does not just allow schools to hike fees.
“Depending on the needs of schools, fees can only be increased with the express approval of the Permanent Secretary,” Deputy Minister Gata added.
“As a matter of procedure, schools have to apply to the Permanent Secretary indicating their justification for the increase of fees. The request can be approved or turned down depending on the justification given by the school authorities.”
The Government says an increase in school fees can only be approved in cases where the institution is undertaking projects that include construction of new classroom blocks, purchase of furniture and teaching and learning materials.
The ministry is satisfied with the rollout of the heritage-based curriculum, which was introduced last term, she added.
“There is, however, need for additional support in terms of the teaching and learning materials.
“The current pupil-textbook ratio needs attention so that we improve on the quality of our education, as expected. The Government has provided financial resources towards the purchase of the teaching and learning materials. Our education partners are also assisting the ministry in that regard.
“It is too early to really have an overwhelming response on where we need to change.”
Online Reporter