… Some schools receive FPE
BY DELISA THWALA
MANZINI– It is all systems go for some schools as they have received orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) and free primary education (FPE) grants.
This was revealed by some heads of schools in the Manzini Region today. Government pays E560 per pupil enrolled under the FPE programme.
During a visit in some schools today, as they were opening, it was noted that everything went according to plan and smoothly so.
Schools visited include Sydney Williams, St Theresa’s Primary and High school and Mjingo High School among others.
Parents and pupils came out in numbers to drop off their little ones for the new school calendar.
Yesterday the Minister of Education and Training Lady Howard Mabuza said schools should accept pupils who had not done well and those that are pregnant.
She further shared that the ministry had about 1 500 posts for temporal teachers expected to be hired soon.
Meanwhile, Sydney Williams Primary School Head Teacher Simon Mamba confirmed that the school had received its FPE and OVC grants.
“We are more than ready to open today as we already have food supplied by government, as well as stationery. Even teachers are adequate and support staff is paid as you can see, they are working. Their services are paid for,” Mamba said.
Hillside Primary School Head teacher Phumzile Vilakati said unlike last year, they received OVC grants on time and the support staff had received their January payments already.
A visit at Mjingo High School found pupils receiving covers for their texts and exercise books. This was also seen at St Theresa’s High School.
Manzini Regional Education Officer Sizwe Kunene said there were no challenges communicated to his office regarding schools opening.
He mentioned that most schools had received their payments of OVC and FPE grants.
