23 Jan 2006

An MP calls on the Samoan government to offer more help with school fees

7:36 am on 23 January 2006

A Samoan MP has urged the government to enforce compulsory education by helping those families whose children are not in school because they can't afford the school fees.

Falealupo MP, Aeau Peniamina, said in Parliament the rise in the crime rate was due to insufficient education.

But the Education Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, said the law provides for disadvantaged families to ask the Ministry of Education for assistance in educating their children.

The law states that education is compulsory for children 14 years and under.

Our correspondent says many young children can be seen selling food, handicrafts and other wares in the streets of Apia.