The National Parents Association (NPA) has expressed support for the government’s initiative to facilitate school fee payments through the e-Citizen platform, particularly for National schools. NPA Chairman David Obuhatsa welcomed the move, emphasizing that it would enhance the proper management and accountability of taxpayers’ money. The policy aims to eliminate the imposition of extra fees and levies without government approval, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children. Obuhatsa believes that this policy will relieve Principals of transparency pressures, allowing them to focus on school management and academic improvement.
Quick Summary
- NPA’s Endorsement: The National Parents Association supports the government’s policy of school fee payments through the e-Citizen platform.
- Management of Taxpayers’ Money: NPA Chairman David Obuhatsa emphasizes that the move will enhance the proper management and accountability of taxpayers’ money.
- Elimination of Unapproved Fees and Levies: The policy aims to prevent the imposition of extra fees and levies without government approval, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
- Relief for Principals: Obuhatsa believes the policy will relieve Principals of transparency pressures, allowing them to concentrate on school management and academic improvement.
- Improvement in Working Relationships: The Chairman anticipates that the policy will foster better working relationships between school managers, parents, and the government.
- End to Unfair Victimization: The policy is expected to end cases where school managers were unfairly victimized or lost their jobs over alleged mismanagement of school funds.
- Request for Transition Period: Obuhatsa requests the government to provide Principals until the end of Term 1 to comply, considering ongoing Form 1 admissions to prevent potential hitches.
- Call for Timely Fee Clearance: Parents are urged to promptly clear all pending balances to enable effective school management.
NPA’s Endorsement and Accountability
The National Parents Association, represented by Chairman David Obuhatsa, wholeheartedly endorses the government’s initiative for school fee payments through the e-Citizen platform. This move is seen as a positive step towards ensuring proper management and accountability of taxpayers’ money in the education sector.
Elimination of Unapproved Fees and Levies
One of the key benefits highlighted by Obuhatsa is the elimination of extra fees and levies that are imposed without government approval. This measure is expected to contribute to equitable access to quality education, particularly for parents facing difficulties in raising school fees.
Relief for Principals and Improved Working Relationships
The policy is anticipated to relieve Principals of transparency pressures, allowing them to focus more on running schools and improving academic performance. Additionally, Obuhatsa believes that the policy will foster better working relationships between school managers, parents, and the government.
End to Unfair Victimization
The Chairman notes that the policy has the potential to put an end to cases where school managers faced unfair victimization or job loss due to alleged mismanagement of school funds. The e-Citizen platform is expected to streamline financial processes, reducing such incidents.
Request for Transition Period
While expressing support for the policy, Obuhatsa requests the government to provide Principals with a transition period until the end of Term 1. This consideration is crucial, especially since some schools are still admitting Form 1 students, and an abrupt system change might lead to hitches.
Call for Timely Fee Clearance
Parents are urged to promptly clear all pending balances to enable effective school management. Timely fee clearance is essential for the smooth implementation of the new policy and ensuring that schools can continue to operate efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The endorsement from the National Parents Association reflects a positive reception of the government’s policy for school fee payments through the e-Citizen platform. The anticipated benefits include enhanced accountability, equitable access to education, and a more focused approach for school Principals. The call for a transition period and timely fee clearance underscores the importance of a smooth implementation process. As stakeholders collaborate, the policy aims to create a more transparent and efficient financial system within the education sector.