SHS Boarding Students Must Pay Fees – GES Told

Education think tank, Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) have told GES to allow SHS boarding Students to pay fees.

EduWatch report suggests that parents opting for their children to stay in boarding facilities should bear the associated costs, marking a potential shift in the implementation of the widely lauded education initiative.

Africa Education Watch’s report recommends a significant adjustment to the Free SHS policy, proposing that parents who choose to enroll their children in boarding schools should be responsible for covering the expenses. This proposal aims to ensure that the burden of funding education is more evenly distributed between the government and parents, particularly those who can afford to pay for their children’s boarding fees.

The think tank underscores the importance of equitable access to education and suggests that free boarding secondary education should be prioritized for students in underserved communities. By targeting resources to those most in need, the proposal seeks to address disparities in educational opportunities across different socio-economic backgrounds.

According to the report, allowing parents to pay for boarding fees could provide the government with an additional source of revenue to complement the Free SHS program. This approach may help alleviate some of the financial strain on the government and ensure the sustainability of the initiative in the long run.

In the medium-to-long term, Africa Education Watch recommends a gradual transition from the current norm of boarding schools to day schools as the standard. However, for parents who still opt for boarding status despite the availability of free day schooling, the report suggests they should bear the full cost of boarding fees for their children.

Additionally, the report highlights the need for improved disbursement of funds under the Free SHS policy to enhance teaching and learning in schools. Timely allocation of funds is deemed crucial for procuring essential items and resources, thereby reducing the financial burden on parents and ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.

Africa Education Watch’s recommendations aim to strike a balance between ensuring equitable access to education and addressing the financial sustainability of the Free SHS program. By proposing adjustments to the policy, the think tank seeks to optimize the allocation of resources and enhance the quality of education for all Ghanaian students.