ABSTRACT
Despite international and national legal obligations, and even sometimes in the absence of direct fees, education is often not free for many children and families throughout the world. Schools and authorities can use myriad pretexts to charge parents for a service that they have a right to for free. It is the state's role to ensure that it is possible for everyone, regardless of economic means, to access high-quality primary education. Too often it forsakes this responsibility, however. Wanting the best for their children, many parents — often some of the poorest — go along with corrupt practices. The vicious circle is exacerbated by the low level of recognition and remuneration afforded teachers, especially in public schools. 2
