Head 26: Ministry of Education

Transcription

1 Head 26: Ministry of Education A summary of the Ministry s Expenditure, Divisions and Projects Financial Scrutiny Unit, Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

2 Table of Contents About this Guide... 3 Head 26 Ministry of Education... 4 Ministry Overview... 4 Divisions/Programmes... Error! Bookmark not defined. Key Statement from 2016 Standing Finance Committee Debate... 1 Where the Ministry spends its money Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure... 2 Summary of Estimates for Recurrent Expenditure for the period Staff and Pay... 9 Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Fund (GATE) The Ministry s total allocation as a percentage of the National Budget for the period 2012 to Analysis and Summary of Expenditure Summary of Development Programme Expenditure for the period Noteworthy Development Programme Estimates in Status of New Projects from the Financial Year New Projects for the Financial Year Major Programmes and Development for the Period 2016 to Auditor General Report Findings for the Fiscal year Committee Inquires Related to the Ministry of Education Similar Ministries in Other Jurisdictions

3 About this Guide This guide provides a summary of expenditure for the Ministry of Education for the period It provides Members of Parliament and stakeholders with an overview of the Ministry s responsibilities. The primary purpose of this guide is to consolidate the information contained within the various Budget Documents pertaining to the Ministry of Education and provide readers with an analysis of same. This guide is based primarily on: the Draft Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure; the Draft Estimates of Development Programme; the Public Sector Investment Programme; and the Auditor General s Report on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the fiscal year

4 Head 26 Ministry of Education Overview 1 Background The Ministry of Education (MOE) is the Government entity responsible for the management and administration of public education in Trinidad. The Ministry is a one-stop hub for all education-related matters. Minister of Education - the Honourable Anthony Garcia Minister of State in the Ministry of Education - the Honourable Dr. Lovell Francis Permanent Secretary (Accounting Officer) (Ag.) - Mrs. Lenore Baptiste-Simmons Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Mr Kurt Meyer Agencies Some of the agencies under the remit of the Ministry of Education include 2 : The National Training Agency (NTA) Metal Industries Company Institute of Technology (MIC) The National Energy Skills Center (NESC) The University of the West Indies St. Augustine (UWI, St. Augustine Campus) The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) 1 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 25, 2018 : 2 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 25, 2018: 4

5 The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) National Examinations Council (NEC) The Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP) The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) The Ministry of Education offers a number of services of the public such as 3 : Distance Learning Secretariat (DLS) The Distance Learning Secretariat is involved in re-engineering and connecting Learning Access and Human Development to support the development of a Lifelong Learning System in Trinidad and Tobago. The Secretariat is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of strategies related to distance learning. 4 Educational Facilities Planning and Procurement Division (EFPPD) The Educational Facilities Planning and Procurement Division was established in accordance with Cabinet Minute Number 603 of The Ministry established central control of all its asset management activities and functions under one (1) Division, thus allowing for greater overall efficiency in the delivery of these services at the Districts and the School level. The large volume and high value of assets demanded that the Strategic Apex of the Ministry retain responsibility for policy formulation and strategic planning for the maintenance, safety and security of these assets. 5 3 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 4 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 25, 2018: 5 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 25, 2018: 5

6 Examinations Unit 6 The Examinations Unit has the responsibility for: The administration of the National, Regional and International examinations; The Registration and Examination Dates; The Release of Results; The Processing of Applications for Certified Statements and Transcripts and The Verification of Results for Educational and Professional Institutions Financial Assistance Studies Programme (FASP) 7 The Financial Assistance (Studies) Programme is a government initiative designed to assist students in the pursuit of a post-secondary qualification or first undergraduate qualification. The assistance is given in the form of a grant and acts as a supplementary fund to which applying does not guarantee funding. The grant can be accessed only once as it works in tandem with the student s existing financial plans. Successful awardees would be required to enter into an agreement with the government to work within the territory of Trinidad and Tobago for a period specified. Any breach in the agreement on the part of the student would result in the grant being converted to a loan. Educational Planning Division 8 The Educational Planning Division is responsible for the formulation and implementation of Government s policy with respect to ongoing reform of the education system in the context of national development. The Division is divided into the following sections offering the followings services: 6 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 7 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 8 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26,2018: 6

7 Programming Section - The Programming Section provides support to all Divisions and Units of the Ministry to bring consistent planning across the Ministry's initiatives and operations. The Section prepares country reports, papers for presentation at national, regional and international workshops and seminars, and provides technical support to all divisions of the MOE in areas related to educational planning. Statistics Section - collects, collates, disseminates and maintains a system of data collection to inform the policies, projects and programmes to be developed and executed in the educational system. It also provides accurate, relevant and timely information for the effective monitoring and evaluating the formation of those policies, projects and programmes. Facilities Section - develops and maintains the educational adequacy and efficiency standards for school facilities by managing the services and processes that support school infrastructural improvement. Business Planning Unit (BPU) - is tasked with strengthening the Ministry s strategic planning process by monitoring the deliverables identified in the Ministry s Corporate Plan and the integrated Business Plan Policy Support Unit - The Policy Support Unit is charged with advising and providing support to Divisions/Units in the formulation education policies. Educational Planning Library - The Educational Planning Library provides library services in support of educational planning in the Ministry. The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) 9 The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) is available to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago under 50 years of age who have been accepted and are enrolled in a tertiary level programme within CARICOM. The applicant must complete a HELP Application Form. The loan is available to part-time or full-time, employed or unemployed students. Applicants who do not meet the age criterion may on review be given special consideration. The loan is available to part-time or full-time, employed or unemployed students. 9 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 7

8 The Teaching and Teacher Development Division 10 The Teaching and Teacher Development Division (TTDD) is the arm of the Ministry of Education which is responsible for the professional development of all teachers in our education system: E.C.C.E., Primary and Secondary Levels. Human Resource Management Division 11 The Human Resource Management Division s (HRMD) major role is to contribute to individual and organisational success by creating and sustaining a working environment based on performance and leadership; attracting and retaining committed employees who share the Ministry s values; and ensuring consistency with business objectives. Monitoring and Evaluation Unit 12 The main purpose of the unit is to assist in developing a sustainable monitoring and evaluation system that can provide a consistent flow of information on the progress and performance of the Ministry s initiatives to inform policy development, review, budgeting and decision making. The Unit plays an important role in facilitating and supporting continuous improvement in the Ministry of Education through Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (GATE) 13 The Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (GATE) is administered by the Funding and Grants Administration Division of the Ministry of Education Tertiary Education Division. The objectives of the GATE programme are: 10 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 11 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 12 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 13 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 8

9 To make tertiary education affordable to all so that no citizen of Trinidad and Tobago will be denied tertiary education because of their inability to pay; To widen access to tertiary education that will support economic development and promote social equity; and To build and strengthen a national quality tertiary education sector through both public and private tertiary level institutions. Spanish Implementation Secretariat (SIS) 14 The Secretariat for the Implementation of Spanish or SIS was formed under Cabinet Directive on September 9, 2004 and formally launched on March 22, The objectives of the Secretariat for the Implementation of Spanish (SIS) are: To facilitate a new learning environment through which the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will learn and effectively utilise Spanish as the First Foreign Language (SAFFL) by the year To promote fruitful and effective intercultural dialogue. To promote public awareness and support for the Spanish as the First Foreign Language (SAFFL) initiative. Local School Boards 15 The Local School Boards have been established in government schools at both the Primary and Secondary level by the Ministry of Education. This initiative taken by the Ministry of Education was seen as an instrumental move towards school based management and decentralization. School Based management has been identified as an important factor that results in improved levels of student achievement and school enrichment. Due to decentralization, authority would be given to all stakeholders giving them an opportunity to be a part of the decision-making process for improved quality, efficiency and effectiveness at schools. National Examinations Council (NEC) Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 15 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 16 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 9

10 The National Examinations Council (NEC) was established in 1965 to oversee examinations, certification and related activities in respect to technical and vocational education and training at the sub-professional level. Nursing Education 17 The Schools of Nursing and Midwifery are institutions of higher learning, operated by the Ministry of Education, to provide Basic General Nursing Education, Basic Psychiatric Nursing Education, Nursing Assistant Training, Direct Entry Midwifery Education, Post Basic Midwifery Education and other Post Basic Nursing Specialties. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Education The Ministry of Education (MOE) has a wide range of responsibilities as published in the Gazette on December 4, , as follows: Curriculum Development and Management Educational Broadcasting Educational Counselling and Guidance Educational Facilities Management (Preschool, Primary, Secondary) Examinations Financial Assistance Studies Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Higher Education Loan ICT in Schools Lifelong Learning Policy Formulation Open and Distance Learning Moral, Ethical and Spiritual Values in Schools National Accreditation System National Apprenticeship System National Human Development National Innovation System Nursing Education Physical Education in Schools Pre-School Education Primary School Education Registration of Private Education Institutions Research and Development Secondary School Education Scholarships and Advanced Training School Laboratory Equipment Maintenance School Library Services Science Skills Training and Education Spanish Implementation Special Education Student Revolving Loan Fund Tertiary Educati 17 Ministry of Education website accessed on September 26, 2018: 18 Trinidad and Tobago Gazette website aaccessed on September 26, 2018: Gazette/Gazette%202015/Gazette/Gazette%20No.%20125%20of% pdf 10

11 Programmes under the remit of the Ministry of Education are as follows 19 : Higher Education Services Help You Prepare for Employment (HYPE) The Military-Led Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training (MYPART) Multi Sector Skills Training Programme (MUST) National Skills Development Programme Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training Re-Training Programme School Nutrition Programme The Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (GATE) The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) Youth Academic Training Programme Statutory Board and Other Bodies Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) Board of Industrial Training Local School Boards MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) National Institute of Higher Education (Research, Science and Technology) (NIHERST) Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Wholly Owned Enterprises Education Facilities Company Limited National School Dietary Services Limited National Training Agency Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme Limited (YTEPP) College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) John S. Donaldson Technical Institute San Fernando Technical Institute Teachers Training Colleges University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Majority Owned Enterprises Metal Industries Company Limited (MIC) 19 Trinidad and Tobago Gazette website aaccessed on September 26, 2018: Gazette/Gazette%202015/Gazette/Gazette%20No.%20125%20of% pdf

12 Key Statement from 2017 Standing Finance Committee Debate During the Standing Finance Committee debate for fiscal year 2017/2018, the following statement was made in relation to the emphasis of the Ministry of Education 20 : The Ministry of Education is committed to providing quality inclusive education for all of students from early childhood level to the tertiary level. A major initiative being rolled out this year is a project entitled Creating a Culture of Student Achievements. This project has two components: The first is a primary school Standard 5 remedial initiative which seeks to identify students who are at risk of underperforming at the Standard 5 level and treat with the causative factors such as learning disorders or psychosocial factors. The second component of this project, referred to as the Form 1 Initiative, will provide remediation and support for the 1,367 students, who scored lower than 30 per cent in the 2017 SEA exam, and who were assigned to secondary schools. Fiscal 2018 will also see the roll-out of the student monitoring system to support and to promote teaching and learning at the primary level. This will replace the primary level national test. The Ministry will continue its construction, maintenance and upgrade programme at the nation s institutions of learning at all levels. The Ministry, with input from the Ministry of Health, has developed a project to provide targeted intervention for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, and a Note will be submitted to Cabinet shortly for its consideration. In keeping with its policy of equity and inclusiveness, the Ministry has an ongoing focus and the provision of special education services to students diagnosed with special education needs. The Ministry has also been on a drive to regularize and rationalize its human resources where several endemic problems exist. -Minister of Education 20 Standing Finance Committee Hansard of Ministry of Education 23 Oct 18, Accessed September 27, 2018

13 Where the Ministry spends its money Estimates of Expenditure The budget allocation of $6,133,441, for the Ministry of Education is comprised of: The Draft Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure in the sum of $5,330,300,000.00; The Draft Estimates of Development Programme in the sum of $803,141, ; - Consolidated Fund in the sum of $305,786, ; and - Infrastructure Development Fund 23 in the sum of $497,355, The Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure include: 01 Personnel Expenditure; - $2,669,072,780.00; 02 Goods and Services;- $710,324,488.00; 03 Minor Equipment Purchases; $45,993,600.00; 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies; $1,721,052,132.00; and 06 Current Transfers to Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies $183,857, Ministry of Finance website Draft Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure for the financial year 2019 accessed on October 02, 2018: 22 Ministry of Finance website Draft Estimates of Development Programme Expenditure for the financial year 2019 accessed on October 02, 2018: 23 Head 18 Ministry of Finance, Sub-Head 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies, Sub-Item 11- Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) (Infrastructure Development Fund allocation is part of the Ministry of Finance allocation for the financial year. Therefore, the total recurrent expenditure for the Ministry of Education does not include IDF funding. 2

14 The Ministry of Education s: Total allocation as a percentage of National Budget = 11%; Recurrent Expenditure as a percentage of the total Recurrent Expenditure budget is 10%; Consolidated Fund as a percentage of the total Consolidated Fund is 13%; and Infrastructure Development Fund as a percentage of the total Infrastructure Development Fund is 18%. Ministry of Education Budget Allocation Estimates 5% 8% Recurrent Expenditure Consolidated Fund Infrastructure Development Fund 87% 3

15 Summary of Estimates for Recurrent Expenditure for the period The Graph below illustrates the budget allocation for the Ministry of Education for the financial year 2018/2019. Ministry of Education Summary of Recurrent Expenditure for the period 2013 to 2019 Total 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure $- $1,000,000,000.00$2,000,000,000.00$3,000,000,000.00$4,000,000,000.00$5,000,000,000.00$6,000,000,000.00$7,000,000, Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 2019 Estimates $2,669,072, $710,324, $45,993, $1,721,052, $183,857, $5,330,300, Revised Estimates $2,650,919, $659,282, $51,251, $1,625,614, $173,135, $5,160,202, Actual $2,557,000, $597,207, $1,054, $1,657,918, $195,069, $5,008,250, Actual $2,523,175, $789,841, $1,008, $2,378,997, $209,931, $5,902,954, Actual $3,015,980, $720,168, $30,306, $622,525, $152,294, $4,541,274, Actual $2,225,678, $692,517, $30,805, $636,615, $173,171, $3,758,788, Actual $2,718,876, $652,686, $64,268, $642,222, $152,187, $4,230,241, Total 4

16 2013 Actual 2014 Actual 4% 5% 15% 17% 2% 1% 15% 59% 64% 18% 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 5

17 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 3% 4% 14% 1% 43% 40% 16% 66% 0% 13% 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 6

18 2018 Revised Estimate 2017 Actual 4% 01 Personnel Expenditure 3% 01 Personnel Expenditure 33% 0% 12% 51% 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 32% 1% 13% 51% 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 7

19 2019 Estimates 4% 01 Personnel Expenditure 32% 50% 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 1% 13% 06 Current Transfers to Stat. Brds. & Similar Bodies 8

20 Hundreds Staff and Pay 24 The allocation of staff expenditure for the year 2018/2019 was $190,968,010.00, which is a decrease of approximately 5% from the last fiscal year 2017/2018. The diagram below provides a breakdown of all staff related expenditure for $30,000, $25,000, Summary of Staff and Pay for the period $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, $- $(5,000,000.00) Personnel Expenditure Uniforms Travelling and Subsistence Contract Employment Training Short-Term Employment Employees Assistance Programme University Graduate Recruitment Programme 2017 Actual $2,557,000,724. $184, $16,131, $153,462, $1,303, $47,360, $1,678, $- $220,120, Revised Estimate $2,650,919,100. $203, $18,892, $130,560, $132, $48,898, $1,400, $- $200,086, Estimate $2,669,072,780. $249, $19,895, $126,521, $2,954, $38,836, $1,510, $1,000, $190,968, Total 24 Ministry of Finance website-draft Estimates for Details of Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure for the Financial Year 2019 accessed on October 2, 2018: 9

21 Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Fund 25 The GATE Fund was established under section 43 (2) of the Exchequer and Audit Act, Chapter 69:0. Information supplied by the Ministry of Education (Tertiary Education and Skills Training) showed total spending on the GATE programme as at 2016/2017 fiscal year to be $ 7 billion: The diagram below provides a breakdown of the GATE Funding for the period 2004/2005 to 2016/ Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the Financial Year ended September 30, Pg

22 The Ministry s total allocation as a percentage of the National Budget for the period 2013 to Year 26 Total Allocation 27 National Budget 28 Percentage of National Budget 2013 $ 4,290,997, $ 59,174,226, % 2014 $ 3,864,935, $ 65,020,886, % 2015 $ 4,673,530, $ 61,966,922, % 2016 $ 6,260,934, $ 56,573,913, % 2017 $ 5,279,074, $ 54,883,153, % 2018 $ 5,382,249, $ 54,330,404, % 2019 $ 5,636,086, $ 55,582,977, % Total allocation for the Ministry as a percentage of the National Budget remained constant between the period 2016/2017 and 2018/ For the Fiscal Years , actual figures were used to calculate the total allocation. However, estimates were used to calculate the total allocation for the Fiscal Years 2018 and Total Allocation for the Ministry of Education = Recurrent Expenditure + Consolidated Fund 28 The National Budget = Total Recurrent Expenditure + Total Consolidated Fund 11

23 Analysis and Summary of Expenditure Recurrent Expenditure refers to the payments for expenses which are incurred during the day-to-day operations of the Ministry including Personnel Expenditure, Goods and Services, Minor Equipment Purchases, Current Transfers and Subsidies and Current Transfers to Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies. The Ministry s Recurrent Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2018/2019 was estimated at $5,330,300, which represents 10% of the total Estimated Recurrent Expenditure for the Financial year Recurrent Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 was $5,160,202, (Revised). Comparing this figure with the allocation in Fiscal Year 2018/2019, there is an increase of $170,097, or 3%. The largest portion of the allocation has consistently gone to Sub-Head 01- Personnel Expenditure. This figure has been fluctuating over the period from 64% in fiscal year 2013, increasing to 66% in fiscal year 2015 and then decreasing to 43% in 2016 and increasing to 50% in fiscal year Sub-Head 03 - Minor Equipment Purchases received the lowest portion of the Ministry s allocations for the period 2013 to Sub-Head 04 - Current transfers and subsidies represented approximately 32% of the total recurrent allocation. When compared to the last fiscal year 2018, the allocation remained constant. Current transfers to State Boards and Similar Bodies represented approximately 3% of the allocation. The actual/estimated expenditure for the five (5) Sub-Heads has been fluctuating over the period 2013 to 2016, and remained constant over the period 2017 to It should be noted that in 2015, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training merged with the Ministry of Education 12

24 Summary of Development Programme Expenditure for the period Development Programme is capital expenditure aimed at improving and enhancing development in different areas of Trinidad and Tobago which includes; human resources, economic and social development. The Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), which represents the capital expenditure component of the National Budget, is the instrument used by Government to effect its vision and policies. It is a budgeting and strategic planning tool made up of projects and programmes, designed to realise the goals set out in the Government s overarching policy. The PSIP budget document provides a detailed description of the programmes and projects and includes a review of the implementation of projects and programmes in the previous financial year and highlights the major projects and programmes to be implemented in the upcoming financial year. The Public Sector Investment Programme is intended to achieve: the country s social and economic development goals; and enhance the quality of life of all citizens. The allocation to the Ministry of Education for development programmes and projects for fiscal year 2018/2019 = $803,141, These funds are presented in two parts as follows: Funds disbursed directly from the Consolidated Fund = $305,786, and represent (38%) of the total development programme allocation to the Ministry; and Funds disbursed from the Infrastructure Development Fund =$497,355, and represent (62%) of the total development programme allocation to the Ministry. 13

25 Expenditure Summary of Development Programme Expenditure for the period $900,000, $800,000, $700,000, $600,000, $500,000, $400,000, $300,000, $200,000, $100,000, Actual 2014 Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Revised Estimates 2019 Estimates 003 Economic Infrastructure - Consolidated Fund $- $- $- $5,993, $5,710, $6,000, $3,000, Social Infrastructure - Consolidated Fund $19,116, $13,185, $4,180, $267,825, $210,746, $199,695, $226,160, Multi-Sectoral and Other Services - Consolidated Fund $41,639, $92,961, $128,075, $84,161, $54,367, $16,352, $76,626, Social Infrastructure - Infrastructure Development Fund 005 Multi-Sectoral and Other Services - Infrastructure Development Fund $- $427,394, $725,570, $701,149, $54,659, $147,170, $311,257, $468,355, $29,708, $24,365, $17,044, $- $- $- $29,000, Total $517,858, $856,082, $850,449, $412,639, $417,995, $533,304, $803,141,

26 Noteworthy Development Programme Estimates in The table below lists the projects that have been noted due to uncharacteristic variances in estimates for funding: 29 Development Project -Item 2017 Actual 2018 Revised 2019 Programme 2019 Estimate Estimate G003 Scholarship s/full Pay Study Leave for Teachers 5,424,050 1,000, J025 Establishment of the Aviation Institute UTT Camden Campus Phase 1 10,000,000 15,800,000 15,000, J027 Establishment of a National Science Centre 3,103, , J032 Establishment of a Training Facility - Chaguanas - - 5,000, J033 Acquisition of Capital Equipment for Metal Industries Company Limited (legacy) 50, ,000 1,000, A031 Seamless Education System Project 1,207, , A033 Enhancing the Information Technology Infrastructure of the Ministry 1,934, ,000 3,000, A037 School Improvement Project Laventille Community 8,987,117 10,000,000 20,000, F016 Relocation of Ministry of Education Head Office 1,897, , F023 Expansion of the School of Dentistry at the Medical Sciences Complex 12,251, , Ministry of Finance website :Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2019, accessed on October 2, 2018: 15

27 005-06F-024 Upgrade of the Campus Sewer Collection System and Sewer Treatment plant ,605, B372 Construction of Lower Morvant Government (IDF) - 1,000,000 10,000, B409 Construction of Malabar Government Primary (IDF) 57, ,000 11,000, B418 Construction of San Juan Boys Government (IDF) - 800,000 11,000, B434 Construction of Ramai Trace SDMS Primary School (IDF) - 4,966,200 11,000, C322 Procurement of Furniture and Equipment(IDF) 176,835 1,000,000 15,000, C C C C395 Improvement/Refurbishment/Extensions to Secondary Schools(IDF) Replacement/ Construction of Blocks Within Secondary Schools (IDF) Secondary School Construction and Other Infrastructure Works (IDF) Construction and Refurbishment of Holy Cross College (IDF) ,000,000 14,000,000 8,908,973 24,000,000 25,000, ,329 25,000, ,053,000-12,000,000 15,000, E514 Repairs and Maintenance of Special Schools (IDF) 491,286 3,000,000 2,000, J041 UTT Main Campus Tamana E-Teck Parl Wallerfield (IDF) - 120,265,000 90,700,000 16

28 Status of New Projects from the Financial Year For the fiscal year , the following new projects were scheduled for implementation under the Ministry of Education, and as such require further inquiry on the progress of completion 30 : Development Programme 2019 Project -Item 2017 Actual 2018 Revised Estimate 2019 Estimate A-037 School Improvement Project Laventille Community $8,987, $10,000, $20,000, F-027 Building of the International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre - - 6,800, C395 Construction and Refurbishment of Holy Cross College ( IDF) - $12,000,000 $15,000, Ministry of Finance website :Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2019, accessed on October 2, 2018: 17

29 Status of New Projects from the Financial Year For the fiscal year , the following new projects were scheduled for implementation under the Ministry of Education, and as such require further inquiry on the progress of completion 31 : Development Programme J037 Project -Item 2018 Estimate 2018 Revised Estimate 2019 Estimate St. Bede Technology Centre Establishment of 600, Woodworking Workshop J039 COSTAATT El Dorado Academy of Nursing and Allied Health 5,000,000-3,000, J041 COSTAATT Technology Upgrade 2,000,000-2,000, J043 Enhancing of Agriculture through Technology - NIHERST 629, Ministry of Finance website :Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2019, accessed on October 2, 2018: 18

30 New Projects for the Financial Year The following new projects that received funding in the 2018/2019 financial year 32 : Development Programme 2019 Project -Item 2019 Estimate J044 Upgrade of NESC Skills and Technology Centre Ste Madeline $1,500, J045 Moruga Technology Centre (MIC) $1,500, J046 Upgrade of NESC Technology Centre La Brea $1,500, J047 Upgrade of Infrastructure and Equipment of the NESC Drilling Academy $1,500, J048 Upgrade of NESC Skills and Technology Centre Point Lisas $1,500, F028 Renovation of Chemistry CI Building and Replacement of Fume Hoods $16,000, F029 New Administrative Building for Campus Security $3,000, F C397 Upgrade of the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre (RCLRC) Phase I Improvement / Refurbishment/ Extension to Holy Name Convent P.O.S (IDF) $4,000, $5,000, C398 Improvement / Refurbishment/ Extension to St. Mary s College (IDF) $1,000, Ministry of Finance website :Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2019, accessed on October 2, 2018: 19

31 F019 Upgrade and Refurbishment of the IBIS Building (IDF) (Reactivated $1,000, Project) F020 Infrastructure upgrade to Victoria District Office (IDF) $1,500, F021 Repairs to Earthquake Damaged Schools (IDF) $25,000,

32 Major Programmes and Development for the Period 2016 to 2019 The following table shows a list of the significant expenditure items, based on the proportion of the budgetary allocation assigned. 33 Development Programme 2018 PROJECTS 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Revised Estimate 2019 Estimate G004 National/Additional Scholarships based on Advanced Level Examinations $118,282, $147,896, $151,874, $150,000, G009 Post Graduate Scholarship $16,988, $11,182, $11,445, $9,800, J J A F A001 IDF B120 IDF C322 IDF Establishment of the University of Trinidad and Tobago $15,500, $7,020, $4,000, Establishment of a COSTAATT Campus in $46,653, $8,000, Chaguanas School Improvement Project Laventille - $8,987, $10,000,000 $20,000, Community Development Works at the University of the $28,173, $17,000,000 - $8,000, West Indies Early Childhood Care and Education $7,654, $29,271, $23,800, $25,000, Improvements/Refurbishment/Extensions to Primary Schools $12,531, $33,720, $31,000, $30,000, Procurement of Furniture and Equipment $415, $176, $1,000, $15,000, Ministry of Finance website :Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2019, accessed on October 2, 2018: 21

33 C331 IDF C333 IDF C394 IDF J041 IDF Improvement/Refurbishment/Extensions to Secondary Schools Replacement /Construction of Blocks Within Secondary Schools Secondary School Construction and Other Infrastructure Works UTT Main Campus Tamana E-Teck Park Wallerfield $3,244, $62,093, $20,000, $14,000, $2,640, $8,908, $24,000, $25,000, $203, $869, $25,000, $110,053, $6,111, $120,265, $90,700,

34 Auditor General Report Findings for the Fiscal year 2016 Ref: Auditor General s Report 34 Other Contracted Services The following contract agreements for two service providers were not produced for audit: The Public Transport Service Corporation for the provision of transport to students. Related expenditure for the year totaled $50,909, National Information Communication Technology and Company Ltd. for the Gov Ne TT Migration and merger Relocation of Kits ISP Primary and Secondary. Related expenditure for the year totalled $203, Contract Register A Register of Contracts as required by Financial Regulation 129(l) was not produced for audit. Establishment of the Aviation Institute - UTT Camden - Phase 1 Control of Projects Contracts between The University of Trinidad and Tobago and two construction firms totalling $10,000, were not produced for audit. The project is 92% completed and the building is yet to be outfitted. Monitoring Unit There was no evidence that the projects were being monitored to ensure successful completion or adherence to agreed terms and conditions. Expenditure Control 34 Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the Financial Year ended September 30, 2017, pgs.39,40,60,63,65, 106: 23

35 An officer whose compulsory retirement date was 1st June, 2006 remained employed in her substantive position for seven years after her date of retirement. An amount totaling $425, representing salary earned for the period 1st June, 2006 to 31st May, 2013 was paid to the officer. FUNDS & ACCOUNTS OF ADMINISTERING OFFICERS FUNDS Control of Projects A Contract Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding with the executing agency, Education Facilities Company Ltd. as at 30th September, 2017 for construction works for two schools were not produced for audit. 24

36 In addition, works were not completed as at 30th September, Total expenditure of $32,483, was paid from inception and details are as follows: Chatham Government Primary School Expenditure since inception in 2013 to 30th September, 2017 totalled $14,349, Status report in August 2017 indicated that the project was 79% completed. Santa Flora Government Primary School Expenditure since inception in 2014 to 30th September, 2017 totalled $18,134, Status report in August 2017 indicated that the project was 73% completed. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR TUITION EXPENSES (GATE) FUND - $65,516, The GATE Fund was established under section 43 (2) of the Exchequer and Audit Act, Chapter 69:01. Legal Notice No. 329 dated 9th December, 2004 refers. The balance in the Fund of $65,516, as at 30th September, 2017 decreased by $29,543, or 31% from the prior year balance of $95,059, This was due mainly to a reduction in payments by the Ministry of Education - Tertiary Education and Skills Training (TEST) which administers the Fund (TS 36 and TS 37 refer). The Notes to the Financial Statement submitted by the Administering Officer did not include a report on the activities of the Fund. This contravened Comptroller of Accounts Circular No. 10 dated July 28, Further, evidence of Internal Audit checks on the Financial Statement was not seen Information supplied by the Ministry of Education (TEST) shows total spending on the GATE programme to date to be $7 billion, as follows: 25

37 Fiscal Year Number of Students Fund Payments ,365 $ 102,193, ,516 $ 179,689, ,937 $ 472,771, ,866 $ 501,783, ,831 $ 574,913, ,490 $ 584,699, ,913 $ 624,997, ,476 $ 757,641, ,379 $ 726,116, ,764 $ 635,678, ,231 $ 698,849, ,329 $ 596,800, ,211 $ 544,688, TOTAL 593,308 $ 7,000,820, THE ACCOUNTS OF THE TREASURY Actual Expenditure The records of the Comptroller of Accounts reflected that the actual expenditure for the year ended 30th September, 2017 under 41 Heads of Expenditure totaled $54,883,150, Table 6.3 highlights those areas where expenditure was in excess of one billion dollars and reflects the percentage of total expenditure incurred 26

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39 Committee Inquires Related to the Ministry of Education Inquiry Report Status Ministerial Response Key Recommendations The Seventh Report of the Public Accounts Committee for the Second Session, Eleventh Parliament on the Examination of the Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the financial years 2014 and 2015 with specific reference to the Ministry of Education Report Presented: H.O.R Senate Presented: The Internal Audit Unit should be strengthened to ensure not just efficiency and effectiveness but compliance of other units in the Ministry; The MOE should pursue the implementation of an automated document management system that is incorporated with an integrated management information system. This will give managers a proper system of data storage whilst facilitating the monitoring of the organization as a whole; The Public Service Commission should make the outfitting of the MOE with proper staffing a priority because the MOE s function is a critical component in the development of the minds of this country s future leaders; The Personnel Department should draft more attractive compensation packages for the vacant permanent positions in the MOE so that the Public Service Commission will find it easier to fill the vacancies. This will serve to boost the staff compliment and increase the productivity of the MOE; 35 Key Recommendations relate to recommendations that may have a financial impact on the Ministry 28

40 2. The First Report of the Joint Select Committee on Social Services and Public Administration on an inquiry into the Current Level of Violence among students in schools with particular focus on Physical and Cyber Bullying Report Presented: H.O.R Senate Presented: H.O.R Senate That at least one Learning Enhancement Centres (LEC) be established in each Education district A comprehensive training regime for Principals and Deans at the Primary and Secondary levels be implemented. This training regime should be informed by a needs assessment of the skills gaps and developmental needs of those involved in managing schools. The urgent development of a properly structured programme for directing persons with special learning needs out of the mainstream classroom into specially customizing learning environments. The Ministry of Education hold discussions with the NPTA and a sample of schools with a view to developing new and innovate strategies that would encourage and facilitate greater parental interaction with the school s administration through the use of ICT. As a start, consideration should be given to facilitating live online viewing of meetings for the benefit of parents who cannot be physically present The MoE undertake the necessary recruitment procedures with a view to filling existing vacancies in the positions of Guidance Officer and Social Worker. In future, the selection 29

41 3. The First Report of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, First Session of the Eleventh Parliament on Examination into the Current Expenditure of Ministries and Departments under three Sub-Heads: Current Transfers and Subsidies, Development Programme - Consolidated Fund and Infrastructure Development Fund Report Presented: H.O.R Senate Presented: H.O.R Senate process for these positions should include psychometric testing and or a suitable methodology for assessing whether the candidate s has a suitable personality. Ensures that the Internal Audit Unit is sufficiently staffed with technical officers and receives the necessary training to build capacity 30

42 Similar Ministries in Other Jurisdictions Ministry of Human Resource Development, INDIA: Department of Education, UK: Department of Education and Training, AUS: Ministry of Education, CAN: 31