Stop introducing National Service for SHS leavers- ILAPI demands
Vice Executive Director of the Institute of Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), Evans Badu Boampong, has punched holes in the possible introduction of a one year National Service scheme for Senior High School leavers, as the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has suggested.
Mr Boampong noted that, such a move has serious socio-security implications and would not arguer well for the leavers.
The Education Minister on Tuesday evening 21st April during an interview on Metro TV Good Evening Ghana program, noted that, the government is considering introducing a mandatory one year national service for all SHS leavers to make up for the disruption in the academic calendar due to the novel covid-19.
A Educationist, Mr Daniel Fenyi is of the opinion that, this would afford the leavers the opportunity to make some savings, especially those from a very poor background to start some small scale business after the service, and have a hands-on experience from the field.
Explaining that, such a measure shouldn’t be a knee-jerk approach just to replace the academic disruption, but would need more stakeholder consultations.
He rather suggested an extension of the 3 year SHS to a four year term to make up for the disruption.
However, Mr Boampong speaking to Ahotor 92.3 news says, the rationale for such a move though is laudable in keeping the graduates busy, it is not appropriate.
He noted that, government has started e-learning platforms and other television programmes for the SHS students, and if this is enhanced would make up for the lost academic calendar.
He suggested collaboration between the Education Ministry and the various radio stations as a platform for lectures for these students.
Explaining that, the final year students are preparing to write their final exams so the e-learning platforms and the radio lectures can be used as an academic revision for such students, and not endanger the lives of the young leavers under the National Service scheme.
Mr Boampong said, the average age of the leavers between 17 and 19 years does not endear them to be posted to certain communities which could have a huge security implications citing the current mode of postings, which does not take into consideration the sex, age and current locations.
H e said, the leavers lack maturity and the needed self-discipline to stay independently.
He raised the issues of the individual economic status in terms of accommodation, transport and feeding implications for the 17 year old graduate.
Godfred Sey/ Ahotor news
