Child Rights Int’l rejects plans to shift Free SHS feeding costs to parents
Child Rights International has strongly opposed proposals to shift the cost of feeding students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to parents, warning that such measures would undermine the programme’s core objectives.
In a statement dated January 11, 2025, the organisation emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of the Free SHS policy, which has been a transformative initiative since its inception in 2017.
The programme’s design, they noted, aims to remove financial barriers to secondary education, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Ghanaian children.
Child Rights International expressed concerns that transferring feeding costs to parents would contradict the fundamental principles of the policy, particularly its commitment to supporting low-income families and students from underserved communities.
The Free SHS programme has been lauded for its achievements, including covering tuition, feeding, accommodation, and other educational costs.
These measures have significantly increased enrolment, reduced dropout rates, and improved literacy levels, particularly in rural areas where financial constraints previously hindered access to education.
Despite its success, the programme has faced persistent challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, delays in funding disbursement, and logistical issues, especially with feeding.
These challenges have fuelled debates about its sustainability and implementation.
Child Rights International urged policymakers to focus on addressing these challenges without compromising the programme’s foundational benefits.
The organisation stressed that any reforms must prioritise preserving access to education for all Ghanaian children, particularly the most vulnerable, and maintain the program’s role as a critical driver of social equity and national development.
Below is the full statement:
