In a desperate attempt to increase attendance a private chain of high schools is offering cash prizes to pupils who turn up to class most often.

The Cosnius chain of high school, with 48 branches in several dozen Polish cities, has decided to improve attendance with cash bonuses paid out to diligent pupils.

“Attending classes is a double benefit – you acquire education and may win a cash prize,” says an advertisement on the grant maintained school webpage.

Its pupils may win up to 300 zlotys (about 77 euro) in the “Top Attendance” contest. There is also 21 consolation prizes of 100 zlotys (25 euro) each to the runners up.

A lottery draw of prizes is held every semester. The contest is open to pupils from all forms, where attendance has not fallen below 75 percent.

According to a study by the Warsaw Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, up to 25 percent of 15 year olds regularly play truant. (kk)

Source: Gazeta Polska