Child Rights International Opposes Parental Contributions Amid Free SHS Feeding Challenges
Child Rights International (CRI) has voiced its concerns over recent calls for parents to provide food and other provisions to their children in senior high schools (SHS) due to ongoing feeding challenges.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Bright Appiah, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, the organization described such requests as a deviation from the core principles of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
The Free SHS programme was designed to ensure free and equitable access to secondary education by removing financial barriers and promoting inclusivity.
CRI emphasized that transferring responsibilities such as feeding to parents undermines the policy’s intent and risks exacerbating the very inequities it seeks to address.
“Shifting these responsibilities to parents not only deviates from the policy’s framework but also places undue pressure on families, many of whom are already facing economic hardship,” the statement noted.
CRI highlighted the importance of direct engagement between stakeholders and the government to resolve logistical challenges affecting the implementation of the Free SHS programme.
The organization urged stakeholders to respect the current policy framework, which does not require parental contributions for feeding or accommodation.
The statement further cautioned against unofficial attempts to alter the framework of the Free SHS programme, stressing the need for formal reviews and clear communication from the government regarding any policy amendments.
“Protecting a social policy is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and beneficiaries. When challenges arise, they must be circumspect in how they communicate about the policy’s implementation and progression,” CRI added.
As a nation committed to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children’s Act, Ghana must prioritize the welfare of children. CRI emphasized that policies should never place children in situations where they suffer due to systemic flaws or negligence.
“It is our duty to ensure that children fully benefit from policies designed to support them, such as the Free SHS programme. As a critical social intervention, it must be protected and upheld to serve its intended purpose effectively,” the statement concluded.
CRI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and ensuring equitable access to education. The organization called for continued dialogue and effective solutions to address the challenges within the Free SHS programme without compromising its principles of equity and inclusiveness.
