High school in Morobe operating on school fees

by Joan Bailey · Published August 21, 2018 · Updated August 29, 2018

The only high school in Sialum in the Tewae/Siassi district in Morobe Province is able to remain open – thanks to parents support fees.

Sialum High School Principal Judy Keleino said the school has been experiencing problems for some time, which is affecting effective teaching and learning for students.

Ms Keleino said when she was appointed to manage the school, there was little money to start the 2018 academic year, so she had to to seek funding but received negative responses.

Therefore, I went and got a K20,000 personal loan to start the academic year. “Education of the students is my priority and I did my best to start classes three weeks late in term one but completed term one and term two on a high note
– Sialum High School Principal, Judy Keleino

She said she managed to conduct the first parents and citizens meeting on March 28 informing them of provincial education board decision of collecting K300 per student as parental support fees.

Ms Keleino said parents were very supportive in paying their component and this enabled her to repay the K20,000 loan.

The school survived for the first two terms with little assistance under the government’s tuition free fee funding (TFF). “The school received first quarter payment for TFF, amounting to K59,000 but the school was unable to access that money due to outstanding debts from previous management
– Ms Judy Keleino

However, she said this did not affect the school operation because she was using the PSF wisely on priority areas while the surrounding community of Sialum supported the school with food.

Ms Keleino said the school has 210 students with eight teaching staff this year but is confident that the enrollment will increase next year.

Previous years, this school enrolled more than 300 students but due to ongoing lawlessness, many students left on their own will.
– Ms Keleino

I am trying my best to put the school back on track following set requirements of high school standard and I am happy that I did achieve what has been missed in the past 14 years like giving students their report cards on time, having a active school board of governors and P&C members to address issues faced by school as well as making decisions
– Ms Keleino