A village in Samoa is moving to fine parents who don’t send their children to school.
According to Newsline Samoa the Saanapu Village Council has set a fine of $ST1000 for parents of children who are not enrolled in school.
The decision was made to ensure all children in the village are educated and the fine applies to both primary and high school students.
The village mayor Mauga Fou confirmed the decision saying the council wants village children to gain the benefits of compulsory education.
Education in Samoa is mandatory but not all children attend school.
At the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, called upon the support of the village councils over this matter.
Sa’anapu is one of the first villages to respond to the call and mayor Mauga says the $1000 fine is enough incentive for parents to send their children to school.
“This will be more effective than imposing a $100 fine,” Mauga said.
“The village does not want the fine but this is the only way to push parents to make sure their children have an education.”
