Originally posted on the International Weblog[1]
Before you read this, you might want to take a look at this CNN article on the education divide in Ghana[2]
When F-CUBE[3] was launched in Ghana some years ago, I thought it was just a waste of time and only a label for what had existed for longer. The idea of "free basic education" has always existed in Ghana. And the notion of compulsary education is only a falacy. I thought the acronym sounded good though. Eff-Cube. Neat! How much did they pay the person that came up with that?
Anyway... the reason why Basic education canot be forced on children is because the system isnt run smoothly. People dont have an "address" associated with them. Furthermore... it isnt really free. In that you have to pay for books, stationary an' sh.. [i mean, stuff]. Yeah, stuff. The people that cannot affrod to pay for those things, ironically, would seem to be the people that would want to stay in school.
Education is prestigious in Ghana. Like REALLY prestigious. I cannot understand it sometimes when people in the UK say at 16, "I'm leaving school. I'm done with it". Not in Ghana. You're almost branded a failure if you dont go all the way to Uni. And you're worshipped if you take it further. What's wrong with that is... you might not even get a job [you want] in the long run.
So coming back to the F-CUBE topic, the "idea of F-CUBE" is only an idea that makes Ghana look good to the outside world. What really happens is that, you're better of paying your way thru school in a private institution.
So some organisation spent so much money on research just to tell us that:
As Neo would say... "You coulda just asked."
It's so so bad that, you're actually teased if you go to a public school. Colloquially known as "Saito". About 10years ago... it was so bad even in the capital city that pupils that went to saito had to carry thier own tables and chairs with them. It's died off [i think] in the capital but I'm sure outside of the big cities some pupils still have to carry their own furniture with them to school.
What then happens is that F-CUBE is not feasible. I mean what do you do to a woman that sells fish on a pan from house to house, who cannot afford to buy books for each of her 5 children... and so keeps four at home to help sell stuff -- in order for one to go to school? Nothing. First of all, because you [the F-CUBE police or Social Services or whatever] wouldnt know about it.. and even if you did, you'll be inclined to turn a blind eye or give her some state benefits.
I... ok more like my parents paid thru the nose to put me thru private schools but it's totally worth it. Think of it this way... if it were up to F-CUBE alone... I [probably] wouldnt be able to type this message up or spell "F-CUBE".
Author: Joe Djamasi
Date/Time: June 7, 2003 12:09 AM
Email: josephdjamasi@hotmail.com
Also dont forget that education in-eg-the UK is mainly funded by the government...hence the attitude "i'm leaving school @ 16". But in Ghana...dare you say this when you parents have toiled blood to pay for ur school fees?
Also dont forget that education in-eg-the UK is mainly funded by the government...hence the attitude "i'm leaving school @ 16". But in Ghana...dare you say this when you parents have toiled blood to pay for ur school fees?
this was really informative send more on other countries to my e-mail address
it's nice talking about the kind of free education in west africa context, which is same for nigeria.
is that what u can bring to the discussion? it's " nice"?
Trackback Pings Received count (0)