In a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on families, the Giza Governorate in Egypt has launched free final review sessions for middle school students. This initiative, which took place on May 10, 2025, saw over 1,700 students from the Kerdasa and Dokki districts gather for preparatory activities aimed at easing the pathway to secondary school entrance exams.
Giza Governor Adel Naggar led the event, highlighting the importance of these review sessions as an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the new "boclet" system, which is designed to enhance their academic performance. During his address, Naggar emphasized the governorate's commitment to providing full support to students, ensuring that they can excel academically without incurring additional financial burdens.
“These reviews represent a real alternative to private lessons,” said Saeed Attia, Director of Education in Giza, during the event. He expressed his gratitude to the students and teachers involved, noting that the initiative exemplifies fruitful collaboration aimed at improving education and creating a supportive learning environment for future generations.
Meanwhile, in Tunisia, the rising costs of private tutoring for baccalaureate students are becoming a major concern for families, especially as national exams draw near. According to a report by the Tunisian Consumer Guidance Organization, private lessons have emerged as a significant financial burden, with fees reportedly ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 dinars during the review period. This increase in costs comes despite warnings from the Ministry of Education against organizing these lessons outside of educational institutions.
Latifa Al-Riahi, head of the consumer organization, stated in an interview that the financial strain of private tutoring is one of the foremost issues facing Tunisian families today. She noted that the purchasing power of households remains weak, further exacerbating the challenges posed by rising educational costs.
Parents have voiced their frustrations, attributing their reliance on private lessons to the difficulties posed by the current educational curriculum. Many are calling for urgent reforms to the educational system, aiming to lessen the dependence on private tutoring and ensure that all students have access to quality education without the added financial stress.
The contrast between the Giza initiative and the situation in Tunisia highlights the varying approaches to education across the region. While Giza's program seeks to provide free support to students, Tunisia's families are grappling with the escalating costs of private lessons, which they feel are necessary to navigate the challenging academic landscape.
Both situations underscore the need for systemic changes in education that prioritize accessibility and affordability. In Giza, the free review sessions are a step towards creating an equitable educational environment, while in Tunisia, the rising costs of private tutoring call for a reevaluation of educational practices and policies.
As educational institutions in both countries strive to adapt to the demands of students and their families, the dialogue around educational reform continues to grow. The hope is that initiatives like those in Giza can inspire similar efforts elsewhere, paving the way for a future where quality education is accessible to all.
In summary, the Giza Governorate's launch of free final review sessions for students reflects a proactive approach to education, aiming to reduce financial burdens on families. In contrast, Tunisia's struggle with the costs of private tutoring highlights the urgent need for reform in its educational system. As both regions navigate these challenges, the focus remains on creating a supportive and equitable learning environment for all students.
