EDUCATION- As the new school year commences parents and guardians are up in arms over the inclusion of toilet paper and cleaning supplies on stationery lists. The items have sparked a heated debate on social media with many questioning the logic behind these requirements.
A review of several stationery lists from schools across the country reveals a disturbing trend where learners as young as Grade 4 are being asked to bring an alarming quantity of toilet paper, dishwashing liquid and other cleaning supplies. For instance, a Grade 7 stationery list from Ngqayizivele Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal requires pupils to bring a pack of 10 toilet paper rolls while another school, Roseland Primary demands the same quantity from both Grade 5 and Grade 7 learners. But that’s not all – some schools are taking it a step further.
One stationery list shared on social media asks children to bring a set of cleaning supplies, including 750ml of Sunlight dishwashing liquid, 1kg of pine gel and 750ml of Domestos. The list also includes five boxes of facial tissues one pack of 2ply toilet papers and one 500ml hand wash soap.
Parents and guardians are understandably outraged, taking to social media to express their discontent.
“How can a school expect parents to provide toilet paper and cleaning supplies?” asked one frustrated parent. “Isn’t that the school’s responsibility?” KwaZulu -Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi attempted to clarify the situation, stating that some schools are required to purchase their own stationery and supplies while others are provided for by the department.
However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage, as one Twitter user pointed out, “Regardless of who’s responsible for purchasing supplies it’s unacceptable to expect parents to provide toilet paper and cleaning supplies. What’s next? Asking parents to pay teachers’ salaries?”
As the debate rages on one thing is clear; parents and guardians will not back down until their concerns are addressed.
The question remains; Will schools and education authorities listen to their pleas and rethink these contentious stationery lists? Only time will tell.
photograph: supplied
