Early Year Collections: Solutions to a Hot Topic Every School Year
The issue of parent association funds in schools from kindergarten to high school has been a sensitive issue and has caused much controversy over the years. So how can we do it properly so that the disadvantaged are not the students?
Talking to Dan Viet newspaper reporter, Master Pham Thai Son, Director of Admissions and Communications Center, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, "offered advice" so that the collection fees at the beginning of the school year would no longer be a hot topic after the opening bell rang.
Accordingly, Master Pham Thai Son said that the first thing is to be transparent and public about the contributions of the parent fund. Schools need to be clear about the purpose of using the fund, the expenses and ensure that the parent association fund is used for the right purpose and reasonably. Transparency helps parents feel more confident and agree more easily.
Second, the parent fund collection level should be adjusted more reasonably. Schools need to listen to parents' opinions to adjust the fund collection level to suit the economic conditions of each family, avoiding creating financial burden. Different collection levels can be applied depending on the circumstances of each parent, parents with economic conditions should contribute a little more to the activities of students and schools.
In particular, there should be fundraising activities, instead of depending entirely on parents' contributions, schools can organize other fundraising activities such as fundraising sales, organizing community events, etc. to increase revenue without putting financial pressure on parents. This is also welcomed by students.
After the opening bell, the first year fees caused public outrage. Illustration photo: Tao Nga
Master Pham Thai Son said: "To do this, the school should call for sponsorship from parents who are business owners, and can seek out local businesses or organizations with links to education to call for sponsorship. Many businesses are willing to support school activities to enhance their image and fulfill social responsibilities.
Organizing social events, which can be events such as fairs, exhibitions, or sports days that people can participate in, combined with sales or other forms of entertainment. Funds raised can come from ticket sales, game tickets or lucky draw events...
Being creative in your fundraising efforts can make it more appealing. For example, schools can hold auctions of items or services that students, parents, or teachers can donate, such as student drawings, tutoring services, or even soft skills workshops.
Encourage parents and students to participate in contributing labor. Instead of just contributing cash, parents and students can contribute labor by participating in cleaning activities, planting trees, repairing facilities, this not only helps reduce costs for the school but also creates a bond with parents and students.
In particular, calling for contributions from alumni, successful alumni can be a great source of support for the school. Schools can organize programs to call for support from alumni, those who have financial ability and special feelings for their old school.
In addition, schools can link up with charities, social organizations, education support funds... these organizations often have resources to help those in need.
The goal is to create a collaborative environment between schools, parents, students and the community to reduce the financial burden on schools, while encouraging everyone to participate in constructive activities that will be more sustainable."
Voluntary collection, avoiding leveling
Dr. Dang Van Cuong, lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Thuy Loi University, said: "In the context of many difficulties in socio-economic life in Vietnam, the State cannot have enough funds to equip and build public schools across the country in a spacious and modern manner, especially preschool and primary education facilities.
Joining hands, supporting and receiving help from benefactors and parents is necessary, especially for schools in remote areas, areas with special economic difficulties. However, supporting and receiving materials to build schools must comply with legal regulations and must be based on principles to ensure fairness, publicity and transparency.
Ms. Pham Thi Le Hang, Head of the Department of Education and Training of Ha Dong District, Hanoi said: "Socialization funds need to be discussed in detail and specifically and need the consensus of parents before implementation, absolutely not equalization. Socialization is very necessary for schools because the budget is limited. However, it must be implemented in accordance with regulations on gift giving.
Sharing with parents about their concerns about not daring to speak up about illegal fees, Ms. Hang said: "Parents need to clearly understand the regulations and circulars of the Ministry, the instructions of the city and the Department of Education and Training to have their own opinions and opinions with the school, the Department and the Department.
All fees are on a voluntary basis, teachers are aware of this so there will be no discrimination against students. Even many poor families in the districts in general and Ha Dong district in particular, their children are supported with items such as personal insurance, uniforms, textbooks... Therefore, parents can completely express their own opinions when they find it inappropriate.
Source: https://danviet.vn/cac-khoan-thu-dau-nam-day-moi-la-cach-hay-de-nha-truong-co-tien-ma-phu-huynh-nao-cung-vui-ve-20240928062027844.htm
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