21/07/2026
Holiday is here!Thank God for the successful completion of another academic session, the "Decision Term," as I always call it.
At the end of every session, many parents decide whether to retain their children in their current schools or move them elsewhere.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing schools if you believe it is in your child's best interest.
However, one thing should never be overlooked: ensure that every outstanding school fee is paid before your child leaves the school.
Leaving a school with unpaid fees, whether full or partial, can have moral, emotional, relational, and even spiritual consequences for both you and your child.
Here are seven reasons why you should never do it:
1. It reflects a lack of integrity.
Children learn more from what we do than from what we say. Walking away from a financial obligation teaches them that commitments can be ignored when they become inconvenient.
2. It is taking a service without paying for it.
The school has invested time, resources, facilities, and staff in educating your child. Enjoying those services without paying what is due is unfair to the school.
3. It damages your reputation and credibility.
Integrity takes years to build but can be damaged by one poor decision. A good name is worth protecting.
4. It hurts the school and its workers.
School fees are used to pay teachers' salaries, maintain facilities, provide learning materials, and keep the school running. Unpaid fees affect many innocent people.
5. It sets a poor example for your child.
If you expect your child to be truthful, responsible, and accountable, those values must first be demonstrated at home.
6. It can affect future relationships and opportunities.
Many schools keep records of unpaid fees, and unresolved financial obligations may affect references, the release of documents, or future interactions.
7. It honours God when you keep your commitments.
As parents, we should be known for honesty, faithfulness, and integrity. Paying what we owe reflects godly character, preserves our witness, and gives us peace of mind.
If you are facing genuine financial difficulties, communicate honestly with the school management. Most schools appreciate sincere parents who are willing to discuss payment plans rather than disappear with unpaid fees.
Remember, your child is watching. The values you demonstrate today will shape the character they carry into adulthood.
Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Let us raise children who will be known for honesty, responsibility, and strong character by first modelling those values ourselves.