SHS placement: Gov’t taking steps to address challenges – Education Ministry assures

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that government is taking action to tackle difficulties surrounding the current Senior High School (SHS) placement process. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, September 9, the Ministry's Media Relations Officer, Hashmin Mohammed, assured parents and students yet to receive a placement that there is ample space within the country's secondary schools to accommodate them.

"The government has a plan in place and is actively working to address the situation," he stated. These remarks follow concerns raised by education advocates over the adequacy of available vacancies, especially for students seeking boarding facilities. This comes as parents continue to express worries regarding school choices, boarding arrangements, distance, and adjustments to placements under the CSSPS.

Mohammed acknowledged the concerns of students who have not been placed in their preferred schools and highlighted that the government is committed to addressing the issue. The Ministry maintains that the availability of over 859,000 declared vacancies ensures that no qualified student will be left without access to SHS. However, the challenge lies in aligning these spaces with the preferences and requirements of students and their families, particularly the high demand for boarding and Category A schools.

The Ministry is urging parents and students to maintain a sense of calm while ongoing efforts are made to finalize placements.