The education ministry is to launch a formal investigation tomorrow into the treatment of students under the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) at some schools in its region six.

The ministry’s region six comprises schools in Clarendon and St Catherine.

The investigations were prompted by media reports that students under the PATH initiative at the Freetown Primary School in Clarendon were being asked to pay for lunches that should be provided to them free of cost.

There have also been complaints that some other schools in the parish were stigmatising students under the programme.

Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Grace McLean says although no specific complaints have been lodged with the ministry in regard to Freetown Primary, the ministry has been monitoring several issues relating to the administration of the PATH programme.

She says the probe will commence in Clarendon schools, but will be extended to the region.