The start of the new school year in Cote d'Ivoire has brought mixed results, with some schools receiving timely government subsidies while others continue to charge students fees. According to Yaya Sangaré, spokesperson for the National Platform of School Management Committees (COGES), subsidies have been paid to concerned schools since August, allowing them to withdraw funds for their operations.
The subsidies aim to alleviate financial burdens on schools and students. However, Sangaré noted that there is a limit to the amount that can be withdrawn per month, which is 2 million FCFA for high schools and middle schools. This limitation has raised concerns among COGES members, as some schools have urgent needs of up to 40 million FCFA at the start of the school year.
Despite the government subsidies, some school administrators continue to charge students fees for various items such as T-shirts, notebooks, and identity photos. Sangaré described this practice as a "business" that some individuals are reluctant to abandon. He stated that some people were earning up to 10 million FCFA through this system, which has become a source of income for them.
The continued charging of fees has raised concerns among COGES members and the government. Sangaré emphasized that whenever such cases are reported, they are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. The government has been working to ensure that schools adhere to the new subsidy system and avoid charging students unnecessary fees.
The issue of school fees has been a longstanding challenge in Cote d'Ivoire's education sector. The government has been making efforts to improve the sector, including increasing subsidies to schools. However, the implementation of these policies has been inconsistent, with some schools continuing to charge students fees.
COGES members are working to modify the current system, which they believe is limiting the ability of some schools to meet their needs. Sangaré noted that some schools have urgent needs that cannot be met within the current subsidy framework. The organization is advocating for a review of the system to ensure that schools have sufficient funds to operate effectively.
The government has launched initiatives to improve the education sector, including the distribution of educational materials and the protection of vulnerable students. The Minister of Education, Dominique Ouattara, recently launched a campaign to distribute educational materials to students, highlighting the government's commitment to improving the sector.
Key points
- Some Cote d'Ivoire schools continue to charge students fees despite government subsidies.
- The government has been working to improve the education sector, including increasing subsidies to schools.
- COGES members are advocating for a review of the subsidy system to ensure that schools have sufficient funds to operate effectively.
