Schools should account parent contributions, donations - Steenkamp
Parents overwhelmed by donation requests
Free education is back in spotlight as households continue to feel the pinch of requests for help from schools.
The education ministry has reiterated that schools must not demand parents to pay for the construction of infrastructure or for security services, emphasizing that such contributions should be voluntary and properly accounted for.
Sanet Steenkamp, the ministry’s executive director, responded to inquiries from Namibian Sun regarding concerns raised by parents who feel financially burdened by these demands.
Some disgruntled parents, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned the concept of free education, stating they are often required to not only provide learning materials for their children but also cover costs that should fall under the state’s responsibilities.
“I don’t mind buying stationery for my children, but being required to pay money for the construction of a classroom, a school hall, and for a security guard is not acceptable,” one parent said. “What happened to free education? Schools don’t even report back to us on how the money was spent. Who knows what happens with the money?”
Ministry’s position
Steenkamp clarified that the ministry does not support schools demanding payments, as schools are allocated budgets to carry out their activities.
“We do not condone any demands for payments for security services or classroom construction,” she said. “Schools cannot directly ask for security services. If they wish to improve security with modern systems, it must be discussed with parents, and proper meeting minutes must be recorded, indicating that contributions are voluntary.”
She added that schools must also obtain permission from the regional director if they want to enhance security systems.
Transparency and Accountability
Steenkamp emphasized the importance of transparency in managing donations and voluntary payments.
“All donations must be declared for transparency and auditing purposes,” she said. “Donors must provide a letter stating that their donation is voluntary and without conditions, and the value of the donation must be indicated. Schools, through the executive director’s office, must then inform the treasury to ensure proper documentation.”
She further noted that all school accounts are audited, and financial reporting is mandatory. “The systems and procedures are in place, even for donations such as textbooks, stationery, clothing, and uniforms,” she said.
Start of the school year
As schools prepare to commence the academic calendar next Monday, Steenkamp’s message serves as a reminder to ensure accountability and fairness in the education system.
Sanet Steenkamp, the ministry’s executive director, responded to inquiries from Namibian Sun regarding concerns raised by parents who feel financially burdened by these demands.
Some disgruntled parents, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned the concept of free education, stating they are often required to not only provide learning materials for their children but also cover costs that should fall under the state’s responsibilities.
“I don’t mind buying stationery for my children, but being required to pay money for the construction of a classroom, a school hall, and for a security guard is not acceptable,” one parent said. “What happened to free education? Schools don’t even report back to us on how the money was spent. Who knows what happens with the money?”
Ministry’s position
Steenkamp clarified that the ministry does not support schools demanding payments, as schools are allocated budgets to carry out their activities.
“We do not condone any demands for payments for security services or classroom construction,” she said. “Schools cannot directly ask for security services. If they wish to improve security with modern systems, it must be discussed with parents, and proper meeting minutes must be recorded, indicating that contributions are voluntary.”
She added that schools must also obtain permission from the regional director if they want to enhance security systems.
Transparency and Accountability
Steenkamp emphasized the importance of transparency in managing donations and voluntary payments.
“All donations must be declared for transparency and auditing purposes,” she said. “Donors must provide a letter stating that their donation is voluntary and without conditions, and the value of the donation must be indicated. Schools, through the executive director’s office, must then inform the treasury to ensure proper documentation.”
She further noted that all school accounts are audited, and financial reporting is mandatory. “The systems and procedures are in place, even for donations such as textbooks, stationery, clothing, and uniforms,” she said.
Start of the school year
As schools prepare to commence the academic calendar next Monday, Steenkamp’s message serves as a reminder to ensure accountability and fairness in the education system.
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