School fund drives

Suva

The school fundraising issue has once again raised its ugly head.

The Minister for Education seems to be jumping sky high to punish those heads of schools who have allowed this to happen in their respective schools.

Dewan Chand,

All those who are interested in fundraising issues should also critically read the history of education, and the rise of committee-run religious schools.

The fundraiser has always been an integral part of school activity for its financial survival. The community puts its heart and soul to ensure that their children get the best. Hence the sense of competition amongst the committee-run schools.

The community took ownership and fundraising was seen as a religious activity – a form of tithe in the interest of their children.

However, the Government grants and free education has destroyed that spirit. Everyone now expects a free ride at the expense of the Government. Yes, the Government scholarships and free education, including the loans scheme has done a lot to ameliorate the burden on parents.

The Ministry of Education’s concerns about the abuse of funds collected is justified to a large extent. This can be checkmated; however, fundraisers should be allowed in schools so that the community takes ownership.

Too much free of everything kills the fighting instinct in parents, teachers and students. School committees have been reduced to being mere spectators. And teachers, particularly the head of the school, are mere puppets with no ability to make decisions. Everything must be approved by the Ministry of Education. A very sad situation!

The education policy decision-makers must read and re-read our education history so that they can make effective and realistic policies, in the interest of our nation.

This is sadly lacking in my view.