The Principal of Lufinga Girls’ Secondary School has been instructed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to establish a Parents Association to enhance parental involvement in school affairs.
In an update on Wednesday, February 19, the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) explained that the directive followed an investigation into complaints raised by a parent regarding the Principal’s school management.
"The Principal of Lufinga Girls’ Secondary School has been directed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to establish a Parents Association to ensure greater parental involvement in school affairs.
"This decision follows a complaint lodged by a parent with the Commission, alleging corruption, unfair treatment of students, and other grievances against the Principal," the statement read.
In the complaint, the parent alleged corruption and mistreatment of students, prompting the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to launch an investigation.
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“I am a parent at the school, and the Principal is deeply corrupt. She is frustrating the students and failing to provide them with food despite our payment of school fees,” the parent stated.
Allegations brought up by the parent also included claims that the Principal was collecting school fees through a local Mpesa shop.
"I come from the same village and have witnessed school employees depositing the money. She also excludes parents from school matters, holding no meetings to discuss academic performance or other important issues,” the parent added.
Following the complaint, CAJ, otherwise known as the Office of the Ombudsman engaged TSC to investigate the claims.
The TSC formed an investigation panel, which confirmed that the principal had indeed failed to involve parents in school matters.
Consequently, the principal was directed to establish a Parents Association to improve communication and collaboration between the school and parents.
"In response, the TSC formed an investigation panel to look into the complaint. The panel’s findings revealed that the allegation of the principal failing to involve parents in school matters was valid. As a result, the principal was advised to establish a Parents Association to foster better communication and collaboration with parents," CAJ said.
The Principal was cleared of other allegations, including claims of failing to provide food to students, collecting school fees via Mpesa, and engaging in corruption activities.
