… 14 parents demand refund
A windhoek school secretary is being investigated after allegedly collecting thousands of dollars from parents in so-called registration fees.
Khomas acting education deputy director Robert Dishena yesterday confirmed that the office of the regional director is carrying out an investigation into Eros Primary School’s secretary.
“We are aware of the ongoing situation. We’ve received complaints from both the parents and the school, and an investigation is ongoing,” he said.
The Namibian has been informed that the victims’ children have been turned away from the school, since they are in fact not registered.
Eros Primary School principal Poppy Hamata yesterday said she could not comment on the matter as it is still under investigation.
One parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claims the school secretary defrauded him of N$2 500.
This amount would secure his son space in Grade 1, the secretary allegedly promised.
The affected parents claim they have been defrauded of amounts ranging from N$2 500 to N$5 000.
Another parent, who also prefers to remain anonymous to protect his child, says despite receiving proof of payment and an admission letter from the school, he was informed his child was not registered on the school’s system.
“I paid a N$2 500 enrolment fee to secure my child’s spot only to be told my child is not on the system,” he says.
The parent says he has spent more than N$4 000 on enrolment fees, stationery and a school uniform, yet his child has not been able to attend classes since the school year started.
Another parent, who created a WhatsApp group for affected parents, says more than 13 victims came forward.
“When we went to the regional director’s office, we were told to create a group to make it easier to communicate, and now we are 14,” she says.
The mother says she has had to enrol her child in a private school after Eros Primary School allegedly evaded her enquiries about enrolment.
She wants her registration fees refunded, she says.
“I have enrolled my child at a private school because he is missing out on school, but what about those parents who can’t afford a private school?” she asks.
Approached for comment, the school’s secretary yesterday denied the allegations.
“The directorate has not opened a case against me that I am aware of. I have not been called into a meeting about anything.”
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