Child Rights International has strongly opposed proposals to transfer the cost of feeding students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to parents.

In a statement issued on January 11, 2025, the organisation highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Free SHS programme, which it described as a transformative initiative that has greatly expanded access to education in Ghana since its introduction in 2017.

The group firmly rejected suggestions that parents should take on the financial responsibility for their children’s food and other essential supplies in senior high schools, arguing that such proposals undermine the core principles of the Free SHS policy.

“Any attempt to shift these costs onto parents goes against the very essence of the Free SHS programme, which was designed to eliminate financial barriers and ensure education is accessible to all children, regardless of their background,” the statement read.

The Free SHS programme, which covers tuition, accommodation, feeding, and other costs, has been widely regarded as a landmark social policy. It has allowed millions of students, particularly those from low-income and rural areas, to access secondary education, contributing to higher enrolment rates and improved literacy levels.

However, the programme has faced significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, delays in funding, and logistical issues surrounding feeding. These challenges have sparked ongoing debates about the programme’s long-term sustainability.

Child Rights International emphasized that any reforms to Free SHS should focus on addressing these issues while preserving the policy’s core benefits, ensuring education remains accessible to all Ghanaian children.

Source:TheDotNews