helva Wells
In a significant move to streamline financial processes and ensure timely payouts to schools, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has announced the centralisation of payments, beginning with the academic year 2024.
The move is a shift from the former practice of sending Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) funds to regional authorities for distribution to schools.
This was said by education executive director (ED) Sanet Steenkamp in an interview with Nampa on Friday.
“By centralising payments, we aim to enhance efficiency and accountability in the disbursement process,” she added.
Steenkamp said this streamlined system allows the ministry to acquire all relevant data directly from schools, ensuring a transparent and speedy payment procedure.
She said the change to the centralised payments began in April, and more than 550 schools have now received their full UPE and USE allocations.
Notably, the ministry has set aside more money for practical subjects, and allotted N$15 per pupil for a hygiene package, demonstrating its dedication to comprehensive education and student well-being.
“However, the process is still ongoing, with approximately 1 200 schools yet to receive their payments. We are well- underway in disbursing payments to the remaining schools, and anticipate completing the process by early next week,” she said.
To ensure smooth financial administration at school level, the ministry has communicated directly with principals about funds allocated to their schools.
“Transparency is key. Principals have been informed of the exact amounts deposited into their school accounts, allowing them to allocate resources effectively,” she stated.
Furthermore, acknowledging the fiscal differences between the academic and fiscal year cycles, the ministry has asked principals to exercise caution in budgeting and planning.
“We have advised principals to ensure that one-third of their budget carries over into the new academic year,” the executive director stated.
This strategic approach recognises the difference between the academic year that begins in January and the fiscal year that begins in March, allowing schools to budget wisely and avoid depleting allocated money prematurely, Steenkamp continued.
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The ED reiterated the ministry’s stance that schools across the country are not allowed to charge for application forms for the current Grades 1 and 8 application period.
Steenkamp said the ministry does not authorise such costs, and is aware of the news and statements made in response to mounting concerns raised by parents about the imposition of fees, with some reports indicating charges of up to N$50.
The ministry levies a modest N$10 fee for application forms.
“While the ministry hopes to reduce financial burdens on parents, resources’ limits compel the enforcement of this little fee. If the ministry had the resources available, it would have preferred not to charge the parents,” she noted.
The ED further said all schools have been explicitly ordered not to charge more than the required N$10 for application forms, and that any violations of this instruction will be dealt with in order to protect the rights of parents and pupils.
Addressing the transition to digital applications, she hailed the ministry’s efforts to adopt a more ecologically- friendly and efficient strategy.
However, she emphasised that the change must be inclusive, especially given the country’s digital gap.
“We are working to move away from paper-based operations and towards digital alternatives. However, it is critical to acknowledge that not everyone in the country has access to the internet,” she stated.
In light of these challenges, Steenkamp said the ministry is committed to accommodating all Namibians, regardless of their access to digital tools.
“We understand the importance of inclusivity, and therefore, while promoting digitalisation, we must ensure that no one is left behind,” she continued.
-Nampa