The Tokarara Secondary School Head Master Mr. Gabriel Manga urges National Government to consider broadening the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) scope to be more available and accommodate intermediate and junior High School drop outs.
Despite Tokarara Secondary having a successful student registration early this year, a high number of grade 8 students who fell below the required National Exam percentage flooded the registration week requesting a grade 9 spot for the academic year.
According to Mr. Manga, the Tokarara Secondary School was unable to cater these students due to simply being academically ineligible, and their acceptance would be deemed illegal and irresponsible.
Mr. Manga elaborated the Education Department needs to be more involved in this matter to allocate a proper pathway for these students who would like to pursue their academic studies.
“There are pathways that are in place for such scenarios but are under developed to properly follow through.”
“I believe more FODE establishments should be available, especially for students facing this issue.”
“If these students are forgotten, more youngsters not older than 18+ will be on the streets with no education or ambition to pursue in life.”
“We must implement correct pathways to minimize this issue.”
“Vocational Studies can be an exceptional solution but may not be a solution for some who seek a different path therefore the FODE Program is necessary for youth who seek to study more.”
The Tokarara Secondary currently has a populated number of grade 9 students, and the flooded number of ineligible students for registration clearly calls for immediate attention.
Mr. Manga added there should be some form of program to upgrade student academic performance to aid in their search for higher education institutions.