The Ministry of Education has reportedly issued a directive prohibiting parents from providing food or monetary contributions during Form 2 Common Examinations at government middle schools.
The development follows complaints shared on social media last week, in which Facebook users criticised some school principals for allegedly pressuring parents to make donations—reportedly intended as contributions for teachers who spent extra hours preparing students for exams.
The decision, discussed at a recent Senior Management Team meeting, aims to create a focused and distraction-free environment for students during these critical assessments, according to a statement on the Ministry of Education letterhead seen by Kaniva News and shared on social media.
It says the directive also seeks to reduce financial burdens on families and prevent disputes or incidents that have occurred in previous years.
Under the new policy, parents and guardians will no longer be required or expected to prepare food of any kind or make monetary donations before or during the examinations, it says.
The Ministry emphasised that this measure will become part of formal school rules and policies.
While parents may still choose to show appreciation to teachers voluntarily, such gestures must be initiated independently and not organised, encouraged, or requested by schools, it says.
It also says the directive takes effect immediately and will remain in place for future examinations.
Social media comments
The directive has divided the social media community, with supporters asserting that their actions stem from the cultural practice of fatongia—a cultural obligation including one that shows they care for their children—and expressing a desire to show appreciation for teachers.
“If some can do it, then let them,” one commenter stated.
“It should be based on voluntariness, and that’s perfectly fine,” another commenter said.
However, critics argued that the issue arises when the directive is issued as a formal order from schools, potentially placing pressure on parents who cannot afford to comply.
“Stop burdening parents—they already carry responsibilities for the church, the community, and now the schools,” another commenter said.
