New school regulation in Romania: Parents to be fined if they don't send their children to school

The new school regulation drafted by the Romanian Ministry of Education (MECS) states that students' parents will be sanctioned if they don't send their children to school. They will either be fined RON 100 to RON 1,000 (EUR 22-223) or they will be ordered to do community work, reports local Mediafax. Parents will also have the obligation to communicate with the student’s teacher at least once a month, to get acquainted with his school results. The same regulation states that parents or legal guardians must take their children to school and must pick them up when they finish their school hours during primary school. The document also states that education in public schools is free and that students can get loans from banks for further studies. Students can also benefit from scholarships based on a contract with companies, or individuals, as well as financial support from extra-budgetary sources from state-owned education institutions. Schools are required to provide students additional services such as: counselling and information during counselling courses, professional guidance, psychological and social counselling by specialized personnel. The state grants awards, scholarships, and other such material incentives to students with high performances at school. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: scoala28gl.ro)