The Association of Teachers in Basic Education has officially urged all teachers to participate actively in a strike set for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at noon outside the Ministry of Education. This action is part of a broader strategy to voice legitimate demands for better living conditions and ensure basic rights.
The association noted the significant turnout during a previous strike, stating, "This broad response reflects the size of the discontent of teachers in the official sector." It is clear that teachers are rallying for a cause they believe in deeply – enhancing their working conditions and securing what they regard as fundamental rights necessary for maintaining formal education.
Rima Karami, the Minister of Education and Higher Education, held a meeting with a delegation from hourly teachers in the public education system, signaling a willingness to understand their grievances. Alongside legal and financial advisors, the Minister acknowledged their issues and emphasized that the strike is not against her or the government. She commented, "Striking is a right for all people," underlining her understanding of the teachers' frustrations.
During discussions, Karami expressed sincere commitment to finding solutions that would rectify the current predicament teachers face. However, she was clear that any promises made would be backed by existing budget allocations, saying, "We’re working to improve their conditions continuously." This sentiment was echoed as she implored teachers to resume classes, stressing that progress in improving their conditions would be an ongoing effort.
In accordance with this, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has also been dealing with misleading information about the cancellation of weekly assessments during Ramadan. Sources from the ministry quickly dispelled rumors circulating on social media, clarifying that there will be no changes to the assessment structure during this highly observant month.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining the educational assessment system across all provinces, stating, "No official decision has been issued regarding canceling weekly assessments during the last week of Ramadan." They emphasized that assessments and monthly exams would continue as usual, with serious implications for those who miss these evaluations.
Minister Muhammad Abd al-Latif reiterated this point, indicating the importance of assessments in gauging student outcomes effectively. He noted during a recent Senate session, "This is among the painful factors for students to attend schools," emphasizing the need for regular evaluations to promote continuous learning.
Furthermore, the ministry directed schools to enforce these evaluation rules strictly. With these guidelines in place, students who do not attend evaluations will miss out on crucial grades, which hold significant weight in the overall assessment of performance, summing up to 70% of their final grades. As the ministry advised, daily attendance is crucial not just to fulfil academic requirements but also to advocate for learning continuity.
The frequent assessments are considered a vital tool for both teachers and educational institutions to identify learning gaps and address them promptly. Abdul-Latif mentioned that advancements are underway to develop a platform for statistical analysis of these assessments, making it easier to track learning outcomes and intervene swiftly when students require additional support.
As the education landscape evolves, so too will the responses from educators and the Ministry of Education. The ongoing strike and the affirmation of assessment policies underscore the mutual necessity of dialogues between teachers and the educational authorities to ensure the best for students.
Both educators and the Ministry seem committed to the educational mission despite the hurdles they face. The upcoming strike on March 26 may serve as a significant moment in setting the stage for real discussions about educational needs while clarifying the importance of continuous assessments amidst the holy month of Ramadan. For many involved, this is not just about policies; it’s about fostering an environment where teachers can thrive, and students receive the education they deserve.
