Are private schools charging too much for uniforms?

The new academic year 2022-23 begins today, but many parents are complaining about the cost of school uniforms and fees. They have called on the bodies concerned to make changes if possible, especially as everyone is facing financial hardship at the current time. Vientiane Times sought opinions on this contentious issue.

Mr Jack Nanthavong, a resident of Saravan province: I have three children, who all attend state schools because we can’t afford to send them to a private school. We have taken our eldest child out of school to help with my work and reduce expenditure. The price of school uniforms has risen, along with school fees and the cost of textbooks, notebooks, stationery and other essential items. Last year we spent 100,000 kip but this year it costs up to 300,000 kip for a school uniform. It’s hard for me to think about spending this amount of money. I think government schools should make exceptions for poor families and those who have several children. This would ensure that more children stay in school while easing the burden on parents during the current economic crisis.
Ms Korvang, a resident of Sikhottabong district, Vientiane: As we all know, our country is in dire straits financially, especially with regard to inflation, which is made worse by the fact that almost everything we need is imported. But it seems that some private schools have taken advantage of price increases to bump up the cost of uniforms, textbooks and school fees. This is a big concern for people with many children. I would like the education authorities to look into this and penalise anyone who is breaking the regulations. I think schools should stop selling uniforms and sell only the school logo in order to cut costs for parents, many of whom are poor. This would ensure more equality in access to education.    

Ms Chansone Sihalath, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: It’s not just private schools that have raised the cost of uniforms - the price is higher in markets and shops. Almost everything costs more nowadays, but income levels have not increased and in some cases have decreased. Of course, the cost of uniforms for private schools is higher than for state schools because the design is more elaborate. Parents with many children are especially disadvantaged. I think parents should teach their children to take good care of their uniforms, bags, shoes and other things, so they can be reused. I don’t see that it’s necessary to buy new things every year.          

Mr Vannakone Phommalangsy, a government official in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: In my view, it’s not important whether students wear a school uniform or not. It’s more important to teach them to be disciplined and considerate and to instil sound ideas and attitudes in children. In some other countries students don’t wear a uniform but are well educated, have a good attitude and are creative. I think our government should learn from other countries and use their systems to improve schools and the standard of education in Laos.   

Ms Phounsavath Phonsavath, Director of Phounsavath Kindergarten and Elementary School: The problem is that we have had to raise costs in line with market prices. As we know, almost everything we need must be imported and now most things have doubled in price. This means we have to increase the cost of uniforms. Parents can buy some of the textbooks and other items in markets. The situation depends on different people’s needs and circumstances. I understand that things are difficult for parents these days, especially those who have many children. We have increased the salaries of our management staff and our teachers to help them cope with increased living costs. 

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 1, 2022)