Double track policy doesn’t mean Free SHS has failed – Minister

He said while the Free SHS program has enabled an extra 90,000 young people to get access to secondary education, the double track intake policy will ensure that about 180,000 students gain access to Senior High Schools while enabling the government to expand infrastructure concurrently.

“Let me calm any anxiety about the current topical issue of the double track enrollment policy which is about to take off; this policy is in no way a signal that the Free SHS policy is in tatters. Just as the Free SHS policy in the first year enabled 90,000 extra students to go to High School, the double track policy is meant to rescue some 180,000 students whose education could’ve been curtailed or jeopardized. The government is also saying that this base adjustment is only temporary and will be brought to an end when the government can capture on infrastructure in the next few years. After that, the normal rhythm of schooling will be restored.”

Read: Double-Track System: A vindication of Mahama’s progressively free SHS Policy?

He further urged parents to support the government in its quest to roll out the new policy successfully.

“I urge parents and guardians to buy into the policy for the educational benefits to go to all segments of society.”

‘Double track system will not fail’

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that his government is committed to ensuring that the double-track school intake policy is successfully implemented in September 2018 and subsequent terms.

Read: We will ensure double track system succeeds – Akufo-Addo assures nation

In an address last week, he said, “I will never present anything that is not worth it to the Ghanaian people. The double track system will ensure longer contact hours, teachers will have longer periods of interaction with the students, and the numbers of enrolled students will increase.”

Source: citinewsroom