The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) has called for a review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that parents should contribute to the cost to enhance the programme’s sustainability and effectiveness.

This proposal follows an appeal by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) to the Ministry of Education for the release of overdue funds essential for the smooth operation of SHSs ahead of the 2025 academic year.

In a statement signed by CHASS National Secretary Primus Baro, the group cited previous letters sent on September 20 and August 12, 2024, as well as commitments made by the Minister of Education during a Zoom meeting on December 18, 2024, none of which have been fulfilled.

CHASS noted that outstanding arrears for perishable items, utility bills, and other critical resources continue to disrupt school operations. They emphasized that without the release of these funds, reopening schools on January 3, 2025, would be difficult, potentially affecting education quality, infrastructure upkeep, and student welfare.