Malawi govt insists no fees in primary schools

Government through the ministry of education, science and technology, has trashed rumours that it will introduce a K5000 tuition fees in primary schools.

Director for Basic Education in the ministry, Dr Joseph Chimombo, who described the rumours as false, baseless and empty, argued during a press briefing that they are on intentions to reserve the free primary education policy.

“We have never discussed introduction of fees at primary school in the past 16 months. We cannot change the policy without proper consultations with stake holders,” said Chimombo.

According to him, the claims came about because of the hiking of tuition fees in secondary schools.

“Primary Education is free,” he emphasized.

He said all children have the right to access education without any hindrance and no pupil should sent home or denied access to education for failing to contribute towards school development funds.

“We are aware that some teachers charge pupils in the name of Development fund and other activities. Such funds are helpful but pupils whose parents cannot pay should not be sent home,” said Chimombo.

He also said no school is allowed to organize fee-paying extra lessons within school premises.