Mismanagement of funds by some schools has forced the Ministry of Education to withhold government funding.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Education, Kelera Taloga said there were still funds available for schools, but they had to apply to the ministry for its usage.

“This is to stop the abuse of Government funds by the school management,” Mrs Taloga said.

The school management and school heads were not trained to account for all the money used.

She admitted that the ministry copped some of the blame but they now have their own audit teams made up of qualified accountants.

“They go out to schools to carry out audits and they identify the loopholes and grey areas.”

She said the team reported back to the ministry with their findings and recommended action to be taken.

She added the abuse of funds would soon be a thing of the past with the measures they had put in place.

Another problem they were now facing is that the church-owned schools are wanting to control the funds.

She said they could control the funds, but they should be used for the purpose it was given.

Mrs Taloga thanked the management of some schools who managed their funds well.

Feedback:  maikab@fijisun.com.fj