By: P. Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County –The Nimba County School System has begun the enforcement of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) recent policy prohibiting the ‘overpricing’ of graduation fees and street gala day parades for all schools in the Country. According to the regulation on kindergarten graduation fees, private schools are only permitted to charge a maximum graduation fee of $LR5, 000.00 while government schools are limited to LRD 2,500.
Speaking during an enforcement operation recently, The County Education Officer (CEO) of Nimba, Francis Leagay, re-emphasized the importance of the government’s protocols while warning possible penalties for violators under the ministry’s mandate.
He further disclosed that the ongoing inspection in the County have already uncovered two kindergarten schools in Ganta City allegedly overcharging parents, thus asserting that names of the violating kindergarten institutions will be published following the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, school administrators reportedly attempted to justify the additional fees by citing agreements made during PTA meetings, but the ministry mandates documented evidence including attendance records from such meetings.
Furthermore, the county school system is enforcing the ban on gala day street parades while warning that violators would be fined up to LRD 150,000.00, which must be paid into government’s revenue account.
The Ministry of Education has warned that streets parades are prohibited for schools throughout the Republic, further recommending other venues for these activities including football fields, and campuses as appropriate for public safety.
The Education Officer assured the public that the Ministry is reaching to remote regions of the County to ensure compliance of these regulations and to create awareness for school administrators and parents.
