By Bill W. Cooper
In light of the limited time for the registration process for academic year 2023/2024, Education Minister, D. Ansu Sonii, is urging school administrations across the country to demonstrate flexibility and understanding when dealing with parents.
This call comes as part of an effort to ensure a smooth and inclusive enrollment process for all students, as well as in line with the Ministry’s curriculum, ahead of Liberia’s October 10 elections.
The registration process is a crucial time for parents and guardians to secure their children’s places in schools for the upcoming academic year that is expected to commence on the 4th of next month.
However, several parents are now complaining about the time constraints, citing lack of sufficient funds amidst the skyrocketing of some private schools’ tuitions.
But recognizing these challenges, Minister Sonii, appearing on ELBC Radio yesterday in Paynesville, further called on administrators to adopt a flexible approach and accommodate the needs of parents.
This, he said, “We are aware of the challenges our parents are facing financially or so, but again, we cannot change the date of school. So, I am calling on all private schools to exhibit some level of flexibility so as to help our parents pay their child/children’s tuitions.”
“And that is to say, if a parent comes and says he/she has about 60 to 70 percent of the tuition for the first instalment, the school should be able to accept it and allow the child sit in class; that will enable the parent look for the balance funds to complete the payment for that period, ” Minister Sonii said.
He added that one of the primary concerns is that many parents, due to various reasons such as work commitments, financial, and or distance, may find it difficult to complete the registration process within the designated time frame.
Meanwhile, the Minister also emphasized the need for administrators to be empathetic and understanding when interacting with parents who may face financial constraints or difficulties obtaining required documents.
