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The tenth address by the president, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, June 31, 2020, spelled out measures that government was putting in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus in the country.
He also reiterated that, the consensus from stakeholder consultation recommended a phased approach to ease anti-COVID-19 restrictions. Thus, his swiftness in ordering all JHS 3 pupils to resume schooling on 29th June 2020, to be able to complete the academic year and write their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
During the address, the president highlighted plans for the resumption of school for the JHS 3 pupils, including the provision of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and the tasking of the Ministry of Education, by extension, the Ghana Education Service to provide needed logistics to all government schools nation-wide, for the smooth completion of the academic term which is a great effort by the president that must be commended.
Speaking at a Minister’s Briefing on the COVID-19 to throw more light on the phased easing of restrictions announced by the president, the Education Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh said, junior high schools (JHSs) final-year students were going to be in school for academic work for 11 weeks, from June 29 to September 11, this year, and write their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) between September 14 and 18, this year.
Over the years, in Ghana, especially in the rural areas, the rates of food insecurity among children (people below 18 years) are higher during rainy seasons— a time when many families have little or no food staples and are farming for new harvest. This year, the season is coupled with challenging moments of Covid-19 pandemic amidst partial lockdowns, job losses, social insecurity and economic turmoil. Those being affected most are families whose breadwinners are in the informal sector, such as drivers, traders, food & drink sellers, artisans and farmers. These breadwinners constitute over 70% of parents of pupils in Ghana. Majority of JHS 3 pupils comes from these families.
As these JHS 3 pupils prepare to go back to school to prepare to write their BECE, majority of them and their parents are saddled with basic needs, including daily nutritious meals. Thus, the possibility of them not having adequate and appropriate nutritious meals in the morning before going to school is conspicuous. It is therefore humane for government to consider providing one free meal or snack as a daily lunch to the JHS 3 pupils.
It is obvious that the free meal/snack will be critical to students psychological calmness as well as their health and well-being, and ensures that they have the nutrition that they need throughout the day to learn. Research shows that receiving free school lunches reduces food insecurity and poor health. In addition, free school meals enhances increased participation in learning activities. Aside, there will be less stress on families and a decreased financial strain on the family food budget.
John Rye Adade (Counsellor Old Soldier)
Mphil Student, Dept of Psychology & Education.
University of Education, Winneba.