An education officer from Kitutu Masaba constituency has cautioned school principals against sending children to collect school fees at ‘wrong’ hours of the day.
Mr. Robert Obiria of Gesima zone on Thursday said his office will not hesitate to take action against principals of boarding schools who have allegedly developed a habit of sending students for fees during the late evening hours arguing that it was risky for the children especially the girl child.
Mr. Obiria said that the habit might also promote improper conduct by the students including visiting night pubs contrary to the law.
“I want to warn the principals of a number of boarding schools who have developed a habit of sending children away to collect fees at late evening hours. Those hours are wrong and my office will not accept it anymore. We are exposing our children to risk most especially the girl child,” he said during a function at Omoyo Secondary School.
Obiria suggested that the schools come up with a compulsory monthly visit in which students with balances will be able to inform their parents within the school and failure to clear the fees would enable them to walk home safely with their parents.
“Safety of the student is important. We don’t want to hear cases of female students raped or some students walking to night clubs. Schools should agree on a monthly parents’ visit in which those unable to clear the fee will be able to accompany their parents home,” he added.