00:00The National Association of Primary School Principals, NAPSPA, says primary
00:05schools are grappling with several unresolved operational issues as term
00:10two of the academic year 2025-2026 continues.
00:15In a statement released this week, the Association said, while principals remain committed to provide
00:20quality education and safe learning environments, ongoing administrative
00:25challenges are placing significant strain on school leadership.
00:30Concerned is the delayed renewal of contracts for business operation assistance known
00:35as BOA's NAPSPA, says these officers play a critical role in the daily
00:40administration of schools and uncertainty surrounding their contracts has disrupted
00:45operations and increased workloads for principals.
00:50The Association notes this issue recurs every three years and is calling for a permanent solution.
00:55The Association has also raised serious concerns about the first-year infant
01:00registration system, or FIRSTTT, while the Ministry of Education
01:05Association has described the system as successful, principals report widespread difficult
01:10difficulties last year, including challenges, uploading documents, limited
01:15internet access for parents, and confusion about post-acceptance procedures.
01:20According to the Association, these issues resulted in delays, distress forms,
01:25local families, and some students remaining unregistered for months after the process began.
01:30The Association is now calling for a return to the previous application system.
01:35.
01:40is the lack of formal appointment letters and unpaid acting allowances for
01:45officers performing administrative duties.
01:48NAPSPA says some educators have
01:50been acting in leadership roles for years without official confirmation or compensation.
01:55A situation it describes as demoralizing and unfair.
02:00NAPSPA also highlights ongoing shortages of student furniture in many primary schools.
02:05This continues to affect the learning environment.
02:08In addition, NAPSPA has expressed concern
02:10over delays in student transfer process, noting that some children have
02:15been out of school for months awaiting approval despite being flagged for chronic abuse.
02:20The association says it remains ready to work with the Ministry of Education and
02:25other stakeholders but is urging urgent dialogue and decisive action.
02:30in the best interest of the nation's children.
02:32The Ministry of Education has not yet responded to the
02:35concerns raised by the association and it says it's hopeful discussions can be
02:40again soon to ensure stability and support for primary schools nationwide.
02:45Tumari Rupnarain, TV6 News.
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