The Discrepancy Between Policy and Practice: PNG's 100% Free Education Policy Under Scrutiny

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In recent years, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Department of Education has been actively promoting its "100% Free Education" policy across various platforms, including social media forums like Facebook. The policy aims to eliminate school fees, ensuring that every child in PNG has access to education without financial barriers. However, despite the government's bold claims, schools across the country continue to charge fees, leaving parents and students frustrated and questioning the effectiveness of the policy. This blog delves into the growing disconnect between the government's promises and the reality on the ground, using concrete examples from PNG newspaper articles to highlight the issue.


The Promise of Free Education


The PNG government introduced the Tuition Fee-Free (TFF) policy in 2012, with the goal of providing free education from elementary to secondary levels. The policy was hailed as a transformative initiative that would increase enrollment rates, reduce dropout rates, and improve literacy levels across the country. The government assured parents that they would no longer need to pay school fees, as the state would cover the costs directly.


However, nearly a decade later, the reality is far from the promise. Schools across PNG continue to impose various fees, including project fees, activity fees, and even tuition fees, despite the government's assurances. This has led to widespread confusion and dissatisfaction among parents, many of whom struggle to afford these additional costs.


The Reality on the Ground


A recent article in 'The National' (January 15, 2025) highlighted the struggles of parents in Morobe Province, where several schools are still charging fees. One parent, John Kama, shared his frustration, stating, "The government says education is free, but every year I have to pay project fees, uniform fees, and even exam fees. How is this free education?" Kama's sentiment is echoed by countless parents across the country who feel betrayed by the government's unfulfilled promises.


In another report by 'Post-Courier' (December 10, 2024), it was revealed that schools in the National Capital District (NCD) are also charging fees, with some institutions demanding up to K500 per student. The article quoted a school principal who admitted that the TFF funds provided by the government are insufficient to cover operational costs, forcing schools to rely on parental contributions. "The government's allocation is not enough to pay for teachers' allowances, maintenance, and other expenses. We have no choice but to ask parents for help," the principal said.


The Impact on Students


The failure to implement the 100% free education policy has had a profound impact on students, particularly those from low-income families. Many children are being denied access to education because their parents cannot afford the additional fees. In a heart-wrenching story published by *The PNG Edge* (November 5, 2024), a 12-year-old girl from Eastern Highlands Province was forced to drop out of school after her parents could not pay the K300 project fee demanded by her school. "I want to be a teacher, but now I have to stay home and help my mother sell vegetables at the market," the girl lamented.


This is not an isolated case. Across the country, thousands of children are being excluded from education due to the hidden costs associated with schooling. The government's failure to address this issue is undermining its own goals of increasing enrollment and improving educational outcomes.


A Call for Reconsideration


The PNG government must urgently reconsider its approach to the 100% free education policy. While the intention behind the policy is commendable, its implementation has been fraught with challenges. The government needs to ensure that adequate funding is provided to schools to cover all operational costs, eliminating the need for additional fees. Transparency and accountability mechanisms must also be put in place to ensure that TFF funds are used appropriately and reach the intended beneficiaries.


Moreover, the government should engage with school administrators, parents, and education stakeholders to address the gaps in the policy and develop practical solutions. This could include increasing the TFF allocation, providing targeted support to schools in remote and disadvantaged areas, and cracking down on schools that continue to charge fees illegally.


Conclusion


The 100% free education policy was envisioned as a game-changer for PNG's education system, but the current reality paints a different picture. The widespread charging of fees by schools is undermining the policy's objectives and leaving many children behind. The government must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that the promise of free education becomes a reality for all Papua New Guinean children. As the saying goes, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." It's time for the PNG government to wield this weapon effectively and transform the lives of its citizens.


References:

- The National, January 15, 2025: "Parents in Morobe Decry Hidden School Fees"

- Post-Courier, December 10, 2024: "NCD Schools Defy Free Education Policy"

- The PNG Edge, November 5, 2024: "Dreams Dashed: The Hidden Cost of Education in PNG"

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