-Education Minister Leokana sets out legal rates that schools may charge

-Schools not allowed to charge registration fees, transfer fees, exam fees

By SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Schools across Solomon Islands have been warned not to over-charge students and parents.

Minister of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana clarified in parliament in his Sine Die address that schools charging fees beyond the limits set out under the Education act 2023 are in direct contravention of the Ministry’s order.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion last week Leokana said schools are strictly prohibited to charge registration fees, transfer fees or examination fees.

“No child should be excluded from education due to temporary financial hardships,” he said.

Leokana added that compliance to the law is not optional and parents/guardians are encouraged to report breaches directly to the Permanent Secretary of MEHRD.

“The Ministry’s officials are instructed to act immediately and they will have my full political support.

“Under the authority granted by the Education act 2023, I have already exercised my power to regulate school fees.

“I have issued a ministerial order setting maximum fees,” Leokana said.

School fees are based on level, location, and boarding status. Non-boarding primary schools may charge up to $1,200 in urban areas and $250 in non-urban areas.

For junior secondary, the maximum is $2,000 in urban and $800 in non-urban, while senior secondary non-boarding schools may charge up to $4,000 in urban centers and $3,000 in non-urban areas.

MEHRD also plans to review grants that are provided to schools and education providers.

This is the response to the prevailing circumstances including raising costs, inflation and the overarching need to ensure grants funding support the smooth and effective operation of schools.

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