By Augustine Bamie Anthony

As the recognition of education as a fundamental human right grows, the urgency for inclusive educational policies becomes increasingly paramount. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) is making significant strides toward achieving this goal through a new initiative that aims to reintegrate out-of-school children, particularly those aged 7 to 14. With the support of Education Above All (EAA) and funding from the World Bank, this program offers renewed hope for numerous families across the nation.

Policy Commitment: No Child Left Behind:

Central to MBSSE’s mission is a steadfast dedication to the principle that every child deserves the opportunity to learn. This initiative specifically targets the reintegration of **120,000 out-of-school children**, encompassing both boys and girls who have yet to receive formal education. These children, aged 7 to 14, currently stand outside the educational system, highlighting a critical gap in the country’s education landscape.

Understanding Out-of-School Children:

Out-of-school children are characterized as boys and girls within the age range of 7 to 14 who are neither enrolled in nor attending school. This segment of the population is at a heightened risk of the adverse effects of educational neglect, including poverty and a lack of skill development. MBSSE’s initiative directly aims to confront these challenges, ensuring that quality education is accessible to every child, irrespective of their background.

Comprehensive Identification Strategy:

To effectively reintegrate these children, MBSSE will implement a thorough identification strategy. Enumerators will engage with various community hubs, including slums, marketplaces, and parks, to gather data on out-of-school children. Collaborations will also be fostered with local educational stakeholders, such as Paramount Chiefs, Section Chiefs, Counselors, Education District Directors (DDs), School Quality Assurance Officers (SQAOs), and Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Coordinators.

Moreover, a **toll-free hotline (8060)** will be utilized to encourage community members to report children who are out of school, promoting a shared responsibility in ensuring that every child is accounted for and given a chance to learn.

Timeline and Implementation Strategy:

The initiative is slated to run until **December 2027**. MBSSE plans to utilize the existing workforce by deploying current primary school teachers to instruct out-of-school children using formal school facilities after regular school hours, from Monday to Friday.

The primary school curriculum will be adapted into an **accelerated learning program** over the next three years, structured into three levels that align with key stages of the curriculum:
– Level 1: Primary 1 & 2
– Level 2: Primary 3 & 4
– Level 3: Primary 5 & 6

This organized approach is designed to ensure a smooth and effective reintegration process for out-of-school children into the formal education system.