GEORGE NEWS - Learners of Heatherlands High School that have been making use of the school's hostel accommodation have had to find alternative options because the hostel has been closed.
Upset parents told George Herald that the school's decision to close the hostel is unreasonable and that alternative accommodation costs too much.
One parent said they have never skipped a payment, because their employer always paid it for them. The employer confirmed this, saying they offered to pay the child's hostel fees so that there will be one less thing for the parent to worry about.
The employer said the child was apparently sent home with a note at the start of the term informing them that the hostel would be closed until further notice. For some learners the hostel is their only means of attending school, as their parents cannot afford taxi or even bus fare.
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton said learners did have hostel subsidies but some parents neglected to pay the hostel fees. The hostel will re-open as soon as money is available.
"An application for a bus route will take considerable time, thus parents have organised transport for the learners."
Merton said at the end of 2019, the hostel accommodated 42 girls and 37 boys.
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