Awut Deng Acuil, the Minister of General Education and Instruction speaks to the press in Juba on 21st Jan. 2022. Photo: Charles Wote/Eye Radio.

The Minister of General Education and Instruction said three public primary schools in Juba are to face disciplinary action for violating the free education policy by collecting money from children.

The schools implicated include Atlabara East Primary School, Malakia Primary School, and Juba One Girls Primary School.

Minister Awut Deng Achuil told the media that the ministry found that the schools collected between 30,000 and 35,000 pounds from the parents of the learners.

“It has come to our notice that some schools continue to charge parents the so-called parent contribution fee,” she told Eye Radio.

“Reports indicate that parents in some schools in Juba such as Atlabara East Primary School, Malakia Primary School, and Juba one Girls Primary School paid between 30,000 SSP to 35,000 SSP per child, these payments are illegal and unauthorized.”

She said the payments made are illegal and must be returned to the parents without any delays.

“I, therefore, direct the headteachers of these schools or any other schools in the country that took money to return it to the parents immediately. More importantly, all state schools should refrain from demanding money from parents.”

Minister Awut said action will be taken against any headteacher demanding payment from parents or school children.

“Disciplinary actions will be taken against any headteacher of a state school that demands payment from parents or school children”.

Early this year, President Salva Kiir directed National and State governments to comply with the constitution and enforce the free education policy in all government schools.