FREE SHS POLICY: The Government Must Revise Boarding Allocation and Complete Community E-Block Schools – Educate Africa Institute (EAI
The Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has brought significant relief to many Ghanaians, ensuring access to education for students from diverse financial backgrounds. However, the financial burden on the government and challenges in infrastructure and resource allocation demand urgent reform. The Educate Africa Institute (EAI), an education think tank, proposes a strategic review of the policy to ensure its sustainability and improve the quality of education delivery.
Revise Boarding Allocation to Reduce Financial Burden
To ease the strain on government finances, EAI recommends a revision of the current boarding system. Parents who can afford boarding fees and feeding costs should be allowed to pay for these expenses. This approach will:
Reduce government expenditure on boarding and feeding services.
Allow the government to focus on paying tuition fees and providing essential resources such as textbooks, laboratory equipment, and ICT tools.
Improve teachers’ working conditions and motivation by reallocating saved funds to ensure better service delivery.
Students from nearby communities who cannot afford boarding fees should be enrolled in the community E-Block day schools, which are designed to accommodate day scholars. This will ensure equitable access to education without overburdening the government.
Complete Community E-Block Projects
The completion of E-Block schools must be a top priority to secure adequate infrastructure for students living close to schools. This will:
Provide comfortable learning environments and reduce overcrowding in boarding houses.
Enhance access to quality education for students residing within respective school catchment areas.
Reinstitute the Three-Term Academic Calendar
EAI advocates for a return to the traditional three-term academic calendar to replace the current double-track system. This measure will:
Allow sufficient instructional hours for effective teaching and learning.
Provide students with a more balanced academic pace, ensuring better retention and performance.
Conclusion
The Educate Africa Institute (EAI) strongly urges the government to incorporate these proposals into its review of the Free SHS policy. Revising the boarding allocation system, completing E-Block projects, and reinstituting the three-term academic calendar will:
Create a sustainable and efficient Free SHS policy.
Enhance the quality of education delivery.
Foster a conducive environment for both students and teachers.
These reforms are necessary to ensure that the Free SHS policy continues to serve its purpose of providing equitable access to education while maintaining quality and sustainability.
Signed:
William Boadi
Executive Director, Educate Africa Institute (EAI),
Educationist, Political Analyst, and Social Worker
+233541935106.
Anthony Cobbinah
Director of Quality Assurance and Advocacy, EAI.
+233243679469.
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