As the new school term begins, parents across the country are grappling with a mix of financial and emotional challenges. The first term is particularly demanding, with concerns ranging from rising tuition fees and overwhelming school requirements to the stress of selecting the best learning environment for their children. Many parents are even considering school transfers to access better academic performance, affordability, improved facilities, and quality meals.
However, transferring schools comes at a cost new uniforms, additional school supplies, and differing fee structures can strain family budgets. The rising costs of tuition, books, and other requirements underscore the necessity of financial planning to avoid last-minute pressure. These obligations have even influenced family planning decisions, as parents aim to maintain a manageable number of children to afford quality education without compromising their financial stability.
For many parents, these financial pressures are not just theoretical they are lived realities that shape long-term decisions, including family planning. As a mother with 13 years of experience in the education system, this year has truly made me reflect on my decision 11 years ago to have fewer children, ensuring I can afford to educate them in the schools of my choice. With a new entrant and two candidates this year, I can only imagine the challenges faced by parents supporting more than five children through school. The financial strain affects not only parents and students but also places significant pressure on schools.
In secondary schools, the introduction of the new curriculum has added further financial and time commitments for parents, as students are required to engage in extracurricular activities. Social media has only heightened these pressures by spreading misleading or exaggerated school fee structures, causing panic among parents searching for affordable education options. Exorbitant school fees remain a major consumer complaint, driving some parents to take out high-interest loans, while financial institutions exploit this demand through targeted school fee loan schemes.
Additionally, some schools have shifted the burden of purchasing essential items such as hoes, knives, brooms, scrubbing brushes, cleaning supplies, and even cement onto parents. This has driven up market prices and forced families into urgent, sometimes exploitative purchases. The need for consumer protection in the education sector has never been more urgent, ensuring transparency, affordability, and fairness in school-related expenses.
Pressing Concerns in the Education System
Parents:
Many parents struggle with the high cost of education, from exorbitant school fees to extensive school requirements. The process of securing placements for students in Senior One (S1) or Senior Five (S5) has become increasingly frustrating, often relying more on personal connections than merit. Competition for preferred schools is fierce, leaving many parents disappointed.
Lack of transparency in school fee structures is another major concern. Some schools withhold financial details, leading to mistrust among parents. While flexible payment plans ease the burden, they also make it difficult for schools to maintain steady cash flow. Additionally, limited access to financial aid and scholarships keeps quality education out of reach for underprivileged students.
Parental involvement in their children's education is often limited due to time constraints or lack of awareness. Efforts to reduce costs through bulk purchasing and community support initiatives often face coordination and funding challenges, reducing their overall effectiveness.
Students:
Students face multiple obstacles in accessing quality education. The introduction of the new curriculum has created uncertainty, while long commutes whether early in the morning or late at night leave them exhausted. Heavy school bags filled with numerous textbooks and an overloaded schedule make learning overwhelming.
Poor study environments and monotonous school meals further hinder students’ ability to focus. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities prove difficult as both demand time and effort. The absence of trained counsellors and mental health professionals leaves many students without the emotional and psychological support they need to navigate their academic journey.
Teachers:
Teachers also face numerous challenges that affect their performance and well-being. Budget constraints, inadequate training particularly on the new curriculum and excessive workloads make their jobs more difficult. Many are responsible for marking exams for a large number of students while also handling administrative duties.
Low salaries and limited benefits decrease motivation, making it difficult to retain experienced teachers, especially in the current economic climate. Overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and insufficient facilities further strain the education system. Additionally, teachers struggle to maintain a work-life balance, with early mornings and late nights becoming the norm. The lack of trained counsellors not only impacts students but also leaves teachers without crucial mental health support, increasing stress and burnout.
The Role of Consumer Protection in Education
At CONSENT, we advocate for a school system that prioritizes learning without compromising affordability, well-being, and fairness. Education should be a right, not a financial burden. Transparency in school fees, fair and ethical financial practices, and consumer-friendly policies can help ensure that parents, students, and teachers receive the support they need.
By working together parents, schools, policymakers, and consumer protection organizations we can create an education system that fosters equal opportunities, safeguards consumer rights, and promotes student well-being. Ensuring safe, transparent, and student-friendly policies is key to securing a bright future for all learners.
#EducationForAll #ConsumerProtection #FairEducationPolicies
