WES parents struggle with costly school fees, call for intervention
By Emmanuel Mandella
Parents in Western Equatoria State are grappling with the rising cost of education, and have called on the government to take urgent action to ease the financial burden as many say the high fees are pushing their children out of school.
Eva Barnaba, a resident of Yambio County, expressed her frustration, saying that despite the strong desire for education, many families cannot afford the ever-increasing fees.
“Children want to learn, but the cost is unbearable. Paying fees for three terms is a huge challenge, especially for parents with multiple children. Some of us have no idea where to find the money,” Barnaba complained.
The situation is even more dire for government employees like Francisca Poni, a police officer and a single mother who has gone close to 15 months without receiving her salary. She called on the government to engage private schools in reducing fees or allow more flexible payment plans.
“Every year, the fees keep rising. I want my children to study, but when I bring 10,000 SSP to register, the school demands full payment. I am a widow, and they should at least allow us to pay in installments,” Poni pleaded.
While defending the private schools’ high fees, a teacher at a private primary school in Yambio said the costs are due to operational expenses.
“For nursery pupils, we charge $50 per term, while primary students pay $100. Nursery children receive porridge, and primary students get lunch at school. These services cost money,” he explained.
He further pointed out that private schools also bear financial burdens beyond classroom education.
“We pay taxes to the Ministry of Commerce and the State Revenue Authority. Additionally, we hire teachers from neighboring countries and must cover their accommodation and food,” he added.
Western Equatoria State acting Governor, Daniel Badagbu, acknowledged the concerns but clarified that public schools remain a free alternative.
“We have two systems: private schools, which charge fees, and public schools, which are free. In Yambio, we have schools like Yabongo, Nabima, Nangkpangau Primary Schools, and Yambio Secondary School that provide free education,” Badagbu stated.
However, he admitted that while the government has no direct control over private school fees, discussions could be held to ease the burden on parents.
“Our responsibility is to collect taxes to pay public school teachers. Private schools operate independently, but we will engage their management to explore ways of reducing costs for parents,” he assured.
As the question on cost of school fees continue, parents are left with tough choices: either find alternative sources of income, move their children to overcrowded public schools, or risk keeping them at home.