MOE Says PSLE Results Denied As Parents Didn’t Pay School Fees For 2 Years

A heartwarming story has been making the rounds on the internet featuring a kind stranger who helped to settle a student’s debt.

Here’s a brief explanation of the story: the student was not able to collect the PSLE result slip because there was a balance of $156 in school fees that were due.

Luckily, a kind stranger stepped in to settle the payment.

Unsurprisingly, while the story was heartwarming, it also drew plenty of flak from concerned netizens who felt that injustice had been done.

Never fear, the Ministry of education (MOE) is here to explain everything.

MOE Says PSLE Results Denied As Parents Didn’t Pay School Fees For 2 Years

In an official statement announced by Channel News Asia, MOE claims that it has always been a “long-standing practice” to withhold PSLE results if there are overdue school fees.

MOE also revealed that the student’s PSLE certificate was denied because there were unpaid miscellaneous school fees that took place for over 2 years.

These miscellaneous school fees cost $13/month.

“Several reminders” were also given, however, according to MOE, the parents didn’t apple for financial assistance which they said would have “covered all the costs.”

Students who need financial assistance can apply here from MOE which covers miscellaneous fees, uniforms, textbooks, transport and meals in school.

Student Could Still Apply For Secondary Schools Without Original Results Slip

The child received a copy of the results, which MOE explained could still be used to apply for secondary schools.

The main aim of denying the result slip was not “recovering the money”.

They explain that the “cost of education is almost entirely publicly funded” but parents should also be responsible for the role they play and what they need to contribute.

“It is not right to ignore that obligation, however small it is. We hope parents support us in reinforcing this message.”

I feel sorry that the child had to go through this (no, I’m not referring to PSLE).

The payment matters should’ve been settled by the adults, and a 12-year-old child should not have been caught in the crossfire. Nevertheless, I hope that everything will be resolved now.