KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education is encouraging parents to pay voluntary contributions to schools stating  that it “can’t pay everything”.

“The government can’t pay for everything, so do continue with your voluntary contributions. These contributions cover the expenses of co-curricular and sports activities and school development projects,” the ministry stated in newspaper advertisement today.

The ministry said it has increased support for PATH students adding that those students are not expected to pay contributions and will be provided with five days of free lunches.

The ministry added that it has also implemented a free literature book-rental programme, free insurance and identification cards for PATH students.

The advertisement comes on the heels if differences between the minister of education and high schools regarding fees.

The minister on August 2 warned that strong action would be taken against schools that were imposing obligatory fees on students despite the Government providing adequate funding to cover their operations.