Big relief for parents: Harmonized prospectus for SHS freshers

 

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative called the 'National Prospectus' for senior high and technical schools in the country. This harmonized prospectus aims to provide clarity and eliminate ambiguity regarding the requirements for incoming first-year students

Under this new arrangement, all schools are expected to adhere strictly to the national prospectus without imposing any additional items beyond what has been officially prescribed. This means that parents will no longer have to wait until the rollout of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) before shopping for their children's school supplies.

The national prospectus is categorized into two main sections: basic needs and cleaning materials. The first category, 'Category A,' includes essential items such as a hard body suitcase or trunk, a chop box or hard plastic container, toiletries, beddings, school-specific footwear, undergarments, cutlery, and other educational materials like a mathematical set and scientific calculator.

The second category focuses on detergents, sanitary and cleaning materials, including liquid soap, hand gloves, washing powder, bleach, brooms, a standing mop, a mop bucket, and a scrubbing brush.

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director-General of the GES, highlighted that the introduction of the national prospectus is aimed at enabling parents to purchase the required items well in advance, regardless of the CSSPS placement status. This early preparation is intended to alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with last-minute shopping.

Dr. Nkansah emphasized that the purpose of the harmonized prospectus is to eliminate unnecessary items that schools may request and to ensure that schools do not use such items as a barrier to timely student enrollment.

He further advised schools not to admit students based on their ability to procure all the listed items but encouraged parents to try their best to obtain the items outlined in the prospectus, as the list has been significantly minimized. Dr. Nkansah assured parents that the cost of the items in the prospectus is affordable and within reach for all families, aiming to eradicate the practice of exorbitant prospectus costs.

Previously, parents had to wait until their children secured a placement before going to the school to obtain the prospectus and purchase the required items. Some schools would even withhold admission until all items were purchased. Dr. Nkansah appealed to senior high school heads to be considerate in this regard.

The national prospectus was developed by a committee comprising representatives from the GES, Free SHS Secretariat, TVET Service, and the Conference of Heads of Government Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS). The GES recognizes the crucial role played by CHASS in the operation of second cycle schools and values their input in creating the national prospectus.

Dr. Nkansah advised students to ensure that all personal items are labeled with their names to prevent theft or loss.