Suspend proposed bill for free SHS – NAGRAT to the government

The National Association of Graduates Teachers (NAGRAT) has joined calls for comprehensive consultations on the proposed bill to introduce free Senior High Schools (SHS) and is calling for its suspension.

In a statement, NAGRAT said that none of the teachers’ unions had engaged with the bill despite being a relevant stakeholder.

“We hereby express our disappointment at the lack of comprehensive stakeholder consultation and input on the forthcoming Free Secondary Schools Bill, particularly from teachers’ unions whose members play a key role in the implementation of the Free Secondary Schools programme,” the statement said.

NAGRAT also urged Parliament’s Special Committee on Education to reject the bill as it lacks stakeholder participation.

“We hereby request that, in the interest of mutual respect and acceptance of all laws affecting education, the Government suspend the presentation of the said Bill in Parliament to allow for full consultation.

“We call on Parliament, and in particular the Select Committee on Education, to make it clear that the so-called bill does not have the input of education stakeholders, particularly teachers’ unions, and should therefore be rejected,” it added.

If passed, the bill would ensure that the Free SHS policy remains binding on subsequent governments and prevent future governments from repealing the policy.

However, several stakeholders, including the minority in Parliament, expressed concerns about the lack of consultation.

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Read the full statement below: