Why do you think that the number of students who drop out after enrolment has now reduced due to the free SHS policy

The introduction of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy in various countries has been designed to alleviate financial barriers to education, and several reasons suggest that this may lead to a reduction in dropout rates:

**Elimination of Tuition Fees**: By covering tuition costs, the policy directly addresses one of the primary reasons students drop out—financial constraints. With the burden of fees lifted, families can prioritize continuing their children’s education.

**Increased Accessibility**: The free SHS policy makes education more accessible, especially for students from low-income families. This potentially increases enrollment and retention rates, as more students can attend school without the worry of prohibitive costs.

**Improved Resources**: Many governments have used the implementation of free SHS policies to improve school infrastructure, supply quality learning materials, and enhance teaching staff. Better educational environments can contribute to keeping students engaged and motivated to stay in school.

**Incentives to Stay in School**: The policy may create a more supportive educational environment where students feel their chances of success are higher. With fewer financial worries and better resources available, students might be more inclined to continue their education.

**Government Support Programs**: Often, free education policies are accompanied by other support systems, such as scholarships, transportation subsidies, or free meals, which address additional obstacles that might lead to dropout.

**Community and Parental Support**: As the financial burden of education diminishes, families may be more supportive of their children’s educational pursuits, leading to increased encouragement for students to complete their studies.

**Awareness and Advocacy**: The implementation of such policies often raises awareness about the importance of education, leading to greater community and parental advocacy for students to complete their SHS education.

Overall, while the free SHS policy is not a silver bullet and must be complemented by other educational reforms and support, its financial alleviation likely plays a significant role in reducing dropout rates by making education more feasible for a larger segment of the population.