BAKU, Azerbaijan - Parents in Azerbaijan are again reporting requests for money at schools, with alleged collections ranging from 10 to 30 manats ($5.90 to $17.60) for supplies, classroom needs and gifts for teachers.
The State Agency for Preschool and General Education said compulsory collections from parents or students are prohibited and that each complaint is reviewed individually.
Parents and students described the alleged payments in an ATV Xəbər report cited by Vesti Baku.
One complaint involved a request for 30 manats ($17.60) for notebooks and books, reportedly collected by the head of a parents’ committee. Others mentioned contributions of 10 to 15 manats ($5.90 to $8.80) for Teachers’ Day, along with requests to buy A4 paper and other supplies.
Parents said the payments can place an additional burden on households with several children. One complaint described a family being asked to contribute despite struggling to afford clothing for a child.
Ten Manats Per Student Adds Up to 300
Education expert Ramin Nuraliyev said parents should not face pressure through parent committees and questioned the justification for collecting money for paper used in school assessments.
Nuraliyev said a collection of 10 manats from each student in a class of 30 would total 300 manats ($176). He said education authorities should examine whether such spending is necessary and how collected funds are used, with law enforcement becoming involved if warranted.
Education specialist Tugay Rzazade said parents may support a school, but any assistance must comply with established rules.
Agency Says Complaints Are Reviewed Individually
The State Agency for Preschool and General Education told ATV Xəbər that reports of collections are checked separately. If an investigation confirms a violation, appropriate measures are taken, the agency said.
The report did not identify specific schools or provide the results of completed investigations. The sums and circumstances described remain allegations from interview participants and require official verification.