News
Payment of School feeding fee…a nightmare for parents
Despite the urge to ensure that every child goes to school, certain demands are making it impossible for a number of parents to ensure their wards remain in school for the five days of the week.
Among the demands is the payment of feeding fee for the wards on daily basis.
In recent times, the payment of feeding fees have become a nightmare for a lot of parent, especially those with two or three wards.
The Spectator checks with several parents from schools indicated that wards are charged between Gh¢15- Gh¢20 on daily basis for food served to the children.
For the parents, they see nothing wrong with the service but what was troubling them was the amount which they found exorbitant but attributed to the high cost of foodstuff.
Interestingly, such parents have a huge sigh of relief on weekends and public holidays, knowing they would be free from paying feeding fee.
It was on this premise that some parents hailed the additional holiday added to the celebration of Ramadan.
Mrs Anita Adu, a mother of three pays, Gh¢60 daily as feeding fee, amounting to Gh¢300 per week in addition to school fees, books, snacks and breakfast.
She was extremely happy about the recent holidays as she saved a total of Gh¢120.
A second parent (name withheld) who also pays the same amount per week shared similar challenges and wished that parents with more than two wards be given a discount.
Mr Maxwell Tetteh, is a single parent taking care of one daughter, said it was not easy paying Gh¢150 a week.
But the caterers also explained to The Spectator that they cannot be blamed for the increased prices of the food prepared for the school children.
Mrs Rosemond Owusu, a caterer, explained how foodstuffs have become very expensive and the struggle they go through to make a suitable budget for schools.
She said “Chicken for instance is sold for Gh¢10. So, if the caterer charges for Gh¢12 per plate, it means only Gh¢2 would be left for a plate of rice and the stew. Obviously the caterer would run at a loss.”
A Headmistress of a private school, who also spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity, explained that since some schools are unable to increase schools fees, they increase feeding fees and use the addition to support the payment of teachers’ salaries.
According to her, feeding fee should not be more than Gh¢15 because some parents have about three to four children in one school and pays so much.
The Headmistress, however, indicated that such increments must first be discussed at Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting for parents to be aware.
Mrs Evelyn Abbey, also a Headmistress of a private school, encouraged caterers to buy ingredients in bulk so that pricing of feeding fee will be less.
However, she said feeding fee was not compulsory as parents can cook for their children to school.
Another Headmistress of a public school, (name withheld) stated that due to economic hardship, not all parent can afford feeding fees.
According to him, lower income earning parents would always approach the school authorities on an impending holiday, knowing that it would be a day free of the dreaded feeding fee.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
