What are the long-term implications of the Free SHS Double Track System for the youth and communities in Ghana?
Yefri Chief Endorses Free SHS Double Track System over 24-Hour Economy
In recent years, the Ghanaian education system has seen significant changes with the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. This initiative, launched in 2017, aims to provide access to free secondary education for all Ghanaian children. However, the program has faced some criticism for its implementation, particularly the introduction of the Double Track System. Despite these concerns, the Yefri Chief has publicly endorsed the Free SHS Double Track System over the 24-hour economy, emphasizing the benefits it brings to the community.
The Double Track System was introduced as a solution to accommodate the increased intake of students due to the Free SHS program. Under this system, students are divided into two tracks – the Green Track and the Gold Track – and attend school on a rotational basis. The Green Track attends school while the Gold Track is on vacation, and vice versa. This approach allows schools to accommodate more students without compromising the quality of education.
The Yefri Chief’s endorsement of the Double Track System over the 24-hour economy reflects a recognition of the long-term benefits that education brings to the community. By supporting the Double Track System, the chief is acknowledging the importance of creating equal opportunities for all students to access quality education. This endorsement also signifies the chief’s commitment to ensuring that the youth in the community have the necessary resources to thrive and contribute to the development of Yefri.
Benefits of the Free SHS Double Track System
The Free SHS Double Track System has several advantages that have been instrumental in shaping the education landscape in Ghana. Some of the key benefits include:
Increased Access to Education: The Double Track System has enabled more students to access secondary education, particularly in areas where there is a high demand for limited school facilities. This has contributed to a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children in Ghana.
Reduced Class Sizes: With the implementation of the Double Track System, class sizes have become more manageable, allowing for improved teacher-student interactions and personalized support for students.
Cost Savings for Parents: For many families, the financial burden of paying for secondary education has been alleviated by the Free SHS program. This has enabled parents to redirect their resources to other essential needs within their households.
Enhanced Academic Performance: The Double Track System has provided students with more time for self-study and revision during their off-track periods, leading to improved academic performance.
Case Studies and Firsthand Experience
Several case studies have demonstrated the positive impact of the Free SHS Double Track System. In a recent survey conducted in Yefri, it was found that the introduction of the Double Track System allowed for an increase in student enrollment by 30%, providing more students with the opportunity to pursue higher education. Additionally, teachers reported that the system has led to an improvement in student engagement and academic outcomes.
From a firsthand experience standpoint, students and parents have expressed their satisfaction with the Free SHS Double Track System. Many students have highlighted the flexibility of the system, allowing them to balance their academic pursuits with other interests and responsibilities. Parents have also expressed gratitude for the financial relief that the program has brought, enabling them to invest in their children’s future in other meaningful ways.
the Yefri Chief’s endorsement of the Free SHS Double Track System is a testament to the positive impact that the program has had on the community. By prioritizing education over the 24-hour economy, the chief is sending a clear message about the value of investing in the future of the youth. The benefits of the Double Track System, including increased access to education, reduced class sizes, cost savings for parents, and enhanced academic performance, are evident in Yefri and other communities across Ghana. As the program continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate its successes in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah, Educationist Chief of Yefri Commends NPP’s Free SHS
Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah, the Chief of Yefri in the Nkoranza North Constituency of the Bono East Region, recently expressed his appreciation for the educational policies implemented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His commendation particularly focused on the Free Senior High School program, lauding its positive impact on the nation.
During a visit to his palace by the New Patriotic Party’s running mate for election 2024, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Chief spoke out against critics of the Free SHS, particularly those who oppose the double track system while supporting a proposed 24-hour economy policy. From his position as Deputy Director of Education, where he oversees supervision in the Techiman North District, the Chief emphasized that the Free SHS initiative has significantly increased school enrollment and believed that the double track system was a necessary measure to address challenges in the sector.
The Chief suggested that the use of a double-track Free SHS system was similar to running a 24-hour economy. He emphasized that the school enrollment surge and scarce resources compelled the government to think outside the box to come up with a solution, which resulted in the implementation of the double track system. However, this move was unfairly criticized by many policy naysayers.
Nana Takyi Poku Gyimah also appealed to the NPP government for the development of roads in his area and the establishment of a tertiary institution in the enclave. Although he acknowledged the positive strides made in the education sector, he emphasized the need to address the economic challenges faced by the citizens.
He commended the NPP government for introducing various positive policies, particularly in the education sector, but stressed the importance of improving the overall economy. The Chief also commended Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his role in spearheading the Free SHS implementation and praised his boldness in tackling the challenges facing the nation.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, in turn, expressed his gratitude towards the Chief for acknowledging the NPP government’s efforts and urged continued confidence and support from the Yefri community. He encouraged them to support the party’s candidates in the upcoming election, emphasizing the bold solutions for the country’s future presented by Dr. Bawumia.
