What were the challenges faced in implementing the FCUBE policy, and how were they addressed?

The implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy in Ghana faced several challenges, which were addressed through various measures:

Challenges

1. Resource Shortages:
   • Many schools lacked adequate resources, leading to indirect fees for registration, textbooks, and uniforms. This undermined the goal of providing free education.

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2. Infrastructure Deficiencies:
   • There were significant shortages in educational infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. This affected the quality of education and the capacity to accommodate all students.

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3. Teacher Shortages and Training:
   • There was a shortage of qualified teachers, and existing teachers often lacked adequate training. This impacted the quality of education delivered to students.
4. Gender Disparities:
   • Despite efforts to promote gender equality, girls still faced barriers to accessing education, particularly in rural areas. Cultural and economic factors contributed to higher dropout rates among girls as they progressed through the education system.
5. Hidden Costs:
   • While basic education was free, parents still had to cover costs for personal items, transportation, meals, and additional learning materials. These hidden costs created financial strain on families.
6. Delays in Fund Disbursement:
   • Delays in the disbursement of funds for the Free SHS policy led to operational challenges and overcrowding in schools.

Addressing the Challenges

1. Capitation Grant Scheme:
   • To address resource shortages, the government introduced the Capitation Grant Scheme in 2004 to cover fees for registration, textbooks, and uniforms.
2. Infrastructure Development:
   • Efforts were made to improve educational infrastructure by constructing new schools and upgrading existing facilities. This included building new classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to accommodate the increased enrollment.
3. Teacher Training and Recruitment:
   • The government focused on training existing teachers and recruiting new ones to address the shortage of qualified educators. This included providing continuous professional development opportunities for teachers.
4. Gender-Specific Initiatives:
   • The Ministry of Education established the Girls’ Education Unit in 1997 to address gender disparities in education. This unit focused on promoting girls' education through targeted programs and initiatives.
5. Double-Track System:
   • To manage overcrowding in Senior High Schools (SHS), the government introduced the Double-Track System in 2018/2019. This system allowed schools to operate on an alternate academic calendar for each track, effectively doubling the capacity of schools. As of 2024, approximately 60% of SHSs have returned to the single-track system as infrastructure improvements continue.
6. Scholarship Programs:
   • Various scholarship opportunities were made available to support students financially. The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat managed these programs, providing financial aid to students both within Ghana and abroad.
7. Community Engagement and School Feeding Programs:
   • The Ghana School Feeding Programme was introduced alongside FCUBE to address malnutrition among school children and encourage attendance by providing free meals at school.

Despite these efforts, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and hidden costs persisted, highlighting the need for ongoing investment and policy adjustments to ensure the success of the FCUBE policy in Ghana.