Schools in Fiji are being encouraged to improve fund management and increase asset management in the wake of revelations that more than 30 schools have zero assets.
Education Ministry executive officer central Jacoro Sucu said this at the Fiji Principals Association annual general meeting in Lami last week.
He said the majority of the 32 schools that had no assets were from Suva (11), while six schools from the Lautoka and Yasawa were found to have no assets.
Mr Sucu said that fixed assets and inventories purchased using MEHA (Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts) grant funds would remain the property of the school.
However, they were subject to the same rules that applied to assets held by Government.
He said only one fundraising activity per year was allowed with prior approval from the permanent secretary of education.
“Fundraising that is organised outside the school by other groups does not require permission from the ministry,” he said.
“This would include fundraising by old scholars, women’s group(s), PTFA and the community but must be free of any student involvement.
“This type of fundraising is independent of the school, but beneficial to the school.
“After the fundraising, the schools should prepare a summary of funds raised and submit it to Finance Unit via the District Education Office.”
