Do you think its fair for pupils in UPE schools to pay examination fees?

BACKGROUND:
Despite the free education rendered to children by Government under the Primary Leaving Education (PLE) scheme, schools still charge parents for examination fees, a requirement that has to be fulfilled before a child sits for examinations, the New Vision has learnt.

During a children’s consultation meeting held in Kampala ahead of the African child day celebrations slated for 16th June, children from various regions of the country aired out issues affecting them in school with examination fees charges topping the list.

This year’s theme is, “A child friendly quality free and compulsory education for all children in Uganda.
“Many pupils who register for PLE drop out of school because they cannot afford the examination fees and other requirements the school asks for like passport size photographs,” said Grace Atim, a pupil of Ongako Primary school.

Nationally in 2010, the dropout rate was at four percent and in 2011 the dropout was 3.4 percent.
Minister of Education revealed the new fees as 17,500 for PLE; 90,000 for UCE and 100,000 for UACE. This is an increment from the previous UNEB examination fees, approved by the education ministry in 2009.

But, we are also aware that many of the UPE schools are in a financial crisis which means that every shilling they get counts.http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/656493-upe-schools-still-charge-exam-fees.html

QUESTION:
Do you think its fair for pupils in UPE schools to pay examination fees?
A. YES
B. NO

INSTRUCTIONS:
Go to messages on your phone type in KIGEZI followed by either A.YES or B. NO and send to 8585. FREE of charge