By: Nyima Sillah
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education(MoBSE) has banned all forms of school fees and levies in public schools
In a statement shared with this medium, MoBSE said the ministry had learned, with great concern, that certain public schools have been charging parents for admission of their children and learning materials such as books, uniform amongst others.
“Please be reminded that the Basic and Secondary Education Policy strictly prohibits the collection and levying of any form of fees in government, subvented, grant-aided, and recognized madrasa schools in The Gambia,” read the statement.
“As such, we wish to strongly state that this practice is illegal and therefore, all those involved in it must stop immediately and refund all monies collected from parents,” it added.
MoBSE advised that any initiative by the parents/teachers’ association or any of the school management structures that may involve the levying of charges/ fees for the welfare of their students and the school must be reported to and approved by the Ministry through the regional education directors.
“Finally, parents and the public at large are hereby urged to report any practice such as unlawful levies to the nearest Regional Education Office for redress,”said MoBSE.
