Principal in Embezzlement Scam

The Principal of the Methodist Senior Secondary School in Kenema, Vandi Tarawalie, is reported to have embezzled over Le20 million meant for the refund of the girl child school fees.

During an interview with this reporter in his office, Mr. Tarawalie admitted that he did not refund the girl child fees to any parent but that he was, in a meeting, mandated by the Community Teachers Association, upon his request, to use the money on the school. He denied embezzling the money as alleged by parents and senior teachers in the school. However, Mr. Tarawalie failed to provide any tangible evidence to authenticate his excuse as he could neither point at any development project on which the money was spent nor did he show the bank statement to prove that the money was still in the school coffers.

Meanwhile, concerned parents and teachers have called on the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Education Board to probe into the matter and to ensure that justice prevails.

Contacted, the Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) Brima Turay, described Mr. Tarawalie’s excuse as vague, unacceptable and equivalent to defrauding the pupils and parents. “The girl child refund is only meant for parents and pupils who have paid school fees, not for solving the problems of schools; failing to refund the money to parents and pupils, for whatever reason, is not only a flagrant violation of the education policy but also a fraudulent act,” Mr. Turay stressed categorically, promising to bring Mr. Tarawalie’s behavior to the attention of higher authorities for thorough investigation so that  necessary action will be taken.

By our Kenema correspondent

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