DEAR PARENT, Don’t Forget It Was Only One Month They Spent in School

The Problem with Ghana’s Track System

Education is meant to be continuous and progressive, equipping students with knowledge and skills for their future. However, the track system under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy is failing to uphold this principle. Students spend only a few months in school before being sent home for extended periods—often idle, confused, and academically stagnant.

This is a serious problem.

How Long Breaks Affect Students

Take, for example, the current batch of first-year students who reported to school in December. Just as they were adjusting to their new academic environment, they were sent home for the Christmas break. Instead of structured learning, reports indicate that many barely received substantial education during that period. Minimal teaching, low academic momentum, and a lack of serious engagement defined their short stay.

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To make matters worse, they resumed in early January, only to vacate around February 10th. Now, these students—who have barely spent one month in school—will be at home for nearly two to three months.

What are they supposed to do with all that time?

How does such a system promote quality education? Can any leader sincerely claim this is an effective way to educate the next generation?

Why This System is Failing Our Children

The track system, while well-intended, has become a cycle of:

Inconsistency – Students experience long, disruptive breaks.

Confusion – Frequent interruptions make it difficult to retain knowledge.

Lost Academic Time – Students spend more time at home than in school.

Worse still, many students lack structured learning at home. With no supervision or guidance, they are left with a long, empty stretch of time, making it difficult to develop strong academic discipline.

Dear Parent, Don’t Leave Everything to the Government

The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that the school system alone is enough to educate your child. The gaps in our education system are glaring, and if you don’t step in, your child will suffer the consequences.

As the African proverb says:

> “An empty sack cannot stand upright.”

If students are not fed with consistent knowledge and discipline, they will struggle in their academics and future careers.

Practical Steps to Keep Your Child Learning at Home

Parents must take an active role in their child’s education, especially during these prolonged breaks. Here’s how:

Encourage Daily Reading – Give them books that expand their knowledge.

Enroll Them in Online Courses – Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy offer free courses.

Organize Extra Classes – If possible, get a private tutor.

Foster Critical Thinking – Engage them in discussions, problem-solving activities, and skill development.

Remember: Learning should not stop just because school is closed.

The Consequences of Neglecting Our Children’s Education

The proverb goes:

> “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

When students spend too much time at home without purpose, some turn to:

Peer pressure and bad company

Gambling and substance abuse

Crime and teenage pregnancy

We saw this during the COVID-19 lockdown, when teenage pregnancy rates skyrocketed due to prolonged school closures.

A Call to Action for Parents and Leaders

The Bible reminds us:

> “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Education is not just the responsibility of the government. Parents must lead the way in shaping their child’s future. If you fail to supplement their education with the right guidance at home, don’t be surprised when they struggle later in life.

It is better to train a child than to repair an adult.

If we want great leaders, thinkers, and innovators, we must nurture them from an early stage. But how can this happen when the system leaves them idle for months?

This track system is failing our children. The government must reassess its policies to ensure that education is not just “free” but also consistent and effective.

Until that happens, parents cannot afford to sit back. Invest in your child’s education at home. Be intentional about their learning process.

Because at the end of the day, dear parent, don’t forget—it was only one month.

For the love of God society and young people

Blessings

Rev Seth Agbeli Kunkpe

Penfromafar… Writing to make things Right