BY NED GAGAHE
Leader of Opposition and Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) Parliamentary Wing Leader, Matthew Wale, has admitted that the “fee-free education policy” introduced during the Derek Sikua-led government was a terrible failure.
Mr Wale, who served as Minister for Education when the policy was implemented, made the admission during a recent SIDP podcast series.
He recalled that while the policy initially appeared promising, it quickly became problematic as schools began introducing various fees that made education even more costly for parents.
“During the initial stage of implementation, it looked like it was going to work well. But then schools came up with all kinds of fees, it doubled up or even got worse. So now, looking back, the evidence is clear that the policy was a failure,” Wale said.
He explained that despite the challenges, the government at the time continued with the policy, though its effectiveness was questionable.
“The test of that policy is simple, if a parent does not pay a fee, then the child is not allowed to attend class. Right now, that is still happening,” he said.
Wale said the SIDP’s education policy aims to ensure true free education, where no child is deprived of classroom time simply because their parents cannot afford school fees.
“We want true free education, not a so-called fee-free system where a child is sent home because parents can’t pay,” he stressed.
He highlighted that the new Education Act now makes schooling compulsory for all children aged six and above, meaning parents are legally required to send their children to school or face penalties.
“The Act stipulates that failure to comply will result in a warning, fine, or even prosecution,” he said.
Wale said the SIDP’s policy will ensure that all children remain in school regardless of their parents’ financial situation.
“Education is a public good, it must be delivered to everyone. The education of a child benefits not only the parents but all of us, because it helps build a productive and meaningful society,” he said.
He added that while parents have responsibilities to support schools, their failure to do so must not punish the child.
“If a parent fails to pay the development fee or contribute to school work, which is an issue between the parent and the school, the child must not be punished for it,” he said.
Wale said the SIDP will push for reforms to ensure every Solomon Islands child has access to classroom learning every single day.
“We will change that. We want all Solomon Islander children in the classroom every single day as long as they are able,” he affirmed.
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