Parents of schoolchildren in South Sudan’s Yei River State said they oppose recent taxes imposed by the state education ministry.
The state ministry has reportedly directed that each parent should pay 150 SSP as money for buying cars and meeting its running costs.
Moses Andaria, a parent, told Radio Tamazuj Friday that he paid 300 SSP for his two children as the ministry demanded.
He said the money was compulsory and those who fail to pay would have their children barred from siting first term examinations.
“I am not happy because the education ministry has asked us to pay a contribution fee to buy cars for education officials. Where is the education budget? Let government stop unnecessary taxes on parents who are struggling day by day to put food on the table, cater for medication and tuition fees,” said Andaria.
“Why are parents forced to pay for cars for education officials?” he asked.
Andaria urged parliament to investigate the matter and task the state education minister to explain why parents were being taxed.
Meanwhile, the director general in the state education ministry, Amule Felix said a decision was reached during an annual education meeting and conference that parents should contribute some money meant to facilitate supervision of schools in the state.
“What parents are alleging on education officials is untrue. What came around was an implementation of a resolution of parents-teachers conference held last year. It was agreed in the conference that parents need to stand to support education so as to improve the inspection and performance of learners in schools,” said Amule.
He added, “It’s a small amount in which a nursery pupil is to pay 50 SSP and a primary pupil to pay 150 SSP. Those in secondary schools are to pay 200 SSP to support the education sector in the state”.