An online petition has been launched against the Sixth Form Pathway Programme (SFPP).

The SFPP, since its announcement, has been met with mixed feelings, including many from individuals of the view that the programme is not one that has been properly thought out and in the future can pose challenges.

Student Kadian Johnson in particular, has been disgruntled by the Government’s plans for secondary education and took to change.org (a petition website) to create a petition against Education Minister Fayval Williams and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, spearheaders of the process.

Attached to the petition was an extensive message in which Johnson expressed her concerns about the new direction the Education Ministry is now taking.

Johnson began by highlighting the fact that being forced to further their education might be financially challenging and could turn out to be a waste of money.

Johnson also stated that not every students wishes to further their education, which could result in an increase in the number of high school ‘dropouts’. She attributed this partly to the fact that some see higher education as a waste of time and, for others, it in no way adds value to their pursusit of the career of their choice.

Johnson also underscored that many who have attended sixth form end up regretting their decision, and added that the programme does not benefit everyone.

The education minister, speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 9), defended the programme stating it is being implemented to ensure students have employable skills and personal and professional development.

Johnson’s petition which started yesterday currently has amassed 7,032 just shy of the target 7,500.

READ: Education minister defends seven-year school programme