Jimmy Okello, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) has cautioned headteachers in Alebtong District against sending pupils home over failure to pay meal fees, urging school administrators to prioritize learners’ education and welfare.
Okello said schools should avoid actions that interrupt pupils’ learning, particularly those from families facing financial difficulties.
He urged headteachers to handle issues related to unpaid meals responsibly without denying learners an opportunity to attend lessons.
The RDC also called upon parents to take responsibility for nurturing their children by providing basic needs that support learning both at school and at home.
He emphasized that parents and guardians have a crucial role to play in their children’s education by ensuring they have the necessary support, care and basic requirements to enable them to study effectively.
Okello further urged headteachers to make proper use of government Universal Primary Education (UPE) grants to support school operations and improve the learning environment.
He cautioned school administrators against mismanaging or failing to utilize the funds for their intended purposes, saying such practices could jeopardize learning and negatively affect pupils’ academic progress.
The RDC’s remarks underscore the need for cooperation between parents, school administrators and government authorities to ensure that financial challenges do not become a barrier to children’s education.
He called for a shared commitment to protecting learners’ welfare, improving the quality of education and ensuring that every child has an opportunity to learn in a supportive environment.
