School closes over lack of food

 HUNDREDS of Ordinary Level students at Lugufu Boys Secondary School have been sent home over shortage of food that hit the special school in Kigoma’s Uvinza District.

 

Information availed to the Guardian yesterday said the decision was reached after the school management ordered parents to take care for their children’s meal, the announcement which was not received well by the parents.

 

 “The money which was disbursed by the government was not enough to cover the needs,” the source said pointing out the government subsidy was meant for tuition and substance allowances.

 

 “The school has been closed today and all O-Level students have been ordered back home,” it added.

 

Actually before the government introduced free education, parents were required to pay 400,000/- to cover among others costs for meals and accommodation.

 

“This is a big challenge to students whose future is vested in their education,” a parent who preferred not to be mentioned told the Guardian.

He explained that the decision to close the school was made yesterday by the school headmaster along with the district commissioner.

 

The Minister responsible for Regional Administration and Local Governments (RALG), George Simbachawene who is the sole—overseer of the government free education was not available for comment.

 

Prof Joyce Ndalichako, Minister for Education, Science Technology and Vocational Training told the Guardian that her office was not aware of the ill-news but promised to seek further details over the matter.SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN