Government is allocating a $113.4 million in its next fiscal year budget aimed at improving access to quality education and strengthening the education sector according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance.
The budget will increase grants for non-government schools at all levels. Secondary schools will receive $70 more per head on top of the current $700 per head. TVET school grants increase from $1,200 to $1,320 per head and Early Childhood Education kindergartens get a $150 per head boost from $50.
The government also proposes to extend free public education from Form 2 up to Form 5. The Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti, said that the cost to cover income loss from tuition fees was made available through reallocation of several Government ministry budgets.
A 10% duty allowance for teachers in a effort to curb losing them is proposed to compensate for their long working hours beyond classroom.
The continuation of the school breakfast program focusses on students’ well-being.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku who is also the Minister for Education continues to drive the development of the education sector across Tonga and including digital reforms to the system.