PTA support enhances educational experience, says union president
SIBU: Schools need support, including funds from parentteacher associations ( PTAs), in order to function well.
This was the response of Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president Jisin Nyud when asked if the PTA fee was optional for parents.
“The PTA fee is optional but schoolsneed PTAsupport. Without funds from PTA, schools – which also depend on allocation from the Education Ministry – would not be able to function well,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
“We must know that the purpose of the PTA is to enhance the educational experience and opportunities of students through parental involvement, to help provide the environment most conducive to children’s learning.”
SMK Agama Sibu PTA chairman Mohamad Safree Mohamad Kassim said PTAs needed parental contribution to strengthen their financial position.
However, there should be an option, he said.
Citing an example, Mohamad Safree said if the PTA had plans to hold a fundraising jogathon, then the PTA fees should not be imposed on parents as the bulk of the PTA fund from the fees collected would be used to assist in school programmes.
“Alternatively, they could collect a one-time fee for the entire duration of their children’s stay in school, such as from Primary 1 to 6 – the same would also apply for secondary schools,” suggested Mohamad Safree.