Like many other schools in the country, the Utmei Secondary School has started the 2024 academic year, but the boarding school in Gazelle District of East New Britain province is not without its own problems. The Principal of the Secondary School, Mr. Bernard Manau expressed his frustration with the number of issues the school was facing including issues arising from the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS). “This year the school received its first quarter GTFS of K230, 000, however the amounts we receive are oftentimes inconsistent.” “The school creates plans on how to use the funds, however with the inconsistencies of the amount of money promised and delivered, disrupts the schools plans.” “We did not receive the full amount of GTFS fees that were allocated in terms 3 and 4 and we still don’t know the reason why.” “It was the students’ parents that helped to keep the school running – they would provide fresh produce from their gardens that helped to feed the staff and students of Utmei Secondary.” Before the start of term 1 the school’s dormitories underwent renovation which contributed to the deferral of their term 1 registrations. Mr. Manau added that the school also faced issues with water and electricity supply that was later fixed. However, they still have housing shortage for teacher’s accommodation. Mr. Manau mentioned that the school was not charging any school fees or project fees this year, however parents themselves agreed to contribute a certain amount of money to help the school. The parents of boarding students contributed K380 and parents of day students contributed K260. This year the school enrolled roughly 860 to 870 students – a decrease from last year which was 900 students.