Earlier this month, the Ministry of Education introduced a new harmonised school fees structure for pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels of education for public, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and government-aided schools. These changes went in force this week as schools began the new academic year for 2022-23. With the new development, parents (for primary pupils in public and government-aided schools) will only be required to contribute just Rwf975 a term for the child’s feeding while at school for the entire term. Education will be provided for free. Much as the development comes with an added advantage for the children and parents, players in the education field are expressing concerns over the development’s viability and the kind of impact it might have on the quality of meals availed in schools. It’s always important to take into consideration that no strategy guarantees perfect results. However, making the best of what is available can assist in achieving the desired impact. While the government is availing all possible channels, to ensure inclusive education, different stakeholders shouldn’t hesitate to chip in and offer support where needed. This will help to fill in the gaps that this initiative may not be able to address. Non-government organisations, activists, and advocates among others, can always join hands, just as it is with other causes to ensure that children access healthy meals and affordable (or free) meals at schools. Inclusivity is the cornerstone of quality education. When all children, regardless of their background- are educated and fed well, have access to quality care in and out of school-everyone benefits. Education should not only consider academic excellence but also the welfare of children.
