While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schooling and caused absenteeism, recent data show a rebound in enrolment beginning in 2021, with gains observed at both basic and secondary levels. This recovery underscores the importance of stable funding, safe learning environments, and targeted support to sustain progress and close literacy gaps.

School Participating Rate and Enrollment Projections

The School Participating Rate (SPR) measures the proportion of children within the official school-going age who are actually in school. Projections indicate a positive trajectory for Central Tongu: as enrolment data from 2020 is incorporated into planning, higher shares of children are expected to be in school by the end of the plan period. This sustained rise in school attendance has broad implications. Higher participation rates are closely linked to improved literacy, stronger foundational skills, and better preparation for higher levels of education and employment. The district’s planning framework therefore emphasizes ensuring adequate learning spaces, trained teachers, and appropriate instructional materials to accommodate growing pupil numbers.

Educational Facilities and Capacity Planning

A key component of the district’s education strategy involves forecasting the need for educational facilities across all levels from Kindergarten (K.G) through Senior High School (SHS) in both public and private sectors. The annexes attached to the district’s development plan contain detailed projections that inform capital investments, staffing, and resource allocation. By aligning infrastructure with demographic trends, Central Tongu aims to minimize overcrowding, reduce class sizes, and improve learning outcomes. The planning process also contemplates the expansion of classroom blocks, libraries, science laboratories, and information and communications technology (ICT) resources to prepare students for a knowledge-based economy.

Understanding Enrolment Metrics: Gross, Net, and Gender Parity
Education data are interpreted through several key metrics:

• Gross Enrolment Rate (GER): The total number of students enrolled in a given level of education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the corresponding age group. GER provides a broad view of participation and capacity needs.
• Net Enrolment Rate (NER): The number of boys and girls within the appropriate age range who are enrolled in that level of education, expressed as a percentage of the total population in that age group. NER offers a more precise measure of access and progression.
• Gender Parity Index (GPI): A measure of equal access to education between males and females. A GPI close to 1 indicates gender equity in enrollment; values above or below 1 reveal imbalances that require targeted interventions.
  
  

Policy Implications and Next Steps

To sustain and accelerate progress, the district is focusing on several priorities:

• Expand access: Build and refurbish classrooms, ensure safe drinking water, and improve sanitation facilities to create conducive learning environments that attract and retain students, especially girls.
• Enhance quality: Invest in teacher training, curriculum updates, and ICT-enabled learning to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes.
• Support vulnerable learners: Implement targeted programs for students who faced disruptions during the pandemic, including catch-up sessions, tutoring, and psychosocial support.
• Monitor and evaluate: Strengthen data collection and monitoring systems to track SPR, GER, NER, and GPI over time, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
• Engage communities: Foster partnerships with parents, schools, and local organizations to promote a culture of learning and ensure that education is valued across communities.
  
  

Community Roles and Participation

Residents of Central Tongu are encouraged to engage with the district’s education initiatives. Parents can support children’s learning at home, participate in school management committees, and advocate for well-resourced classrooms. Local businesses and civil society organizations can contribute through sponsorships, internship programs, and capacity-building workshops for teachers and administrators. By working together, the district can create a robust educational ecosystem that supports lifelong learning and social mobility.