Algerian primary school teachers remain determined to continue their protest movement until their demands are fully met. The coordination of primary school teachers announced the continuation of their three-day strike, which will be repeated every week. This decision comes after a failed meeting between the teachers' representatives and the education ministry officials. The meeting, which lasted 13 hours, did not yield any results, according to the teachers' representatives.
The teachers' union expressed disappointment with the education ministry's promises, describing them as "verbal and non-tangible." The ministry's representatives informed the teachers that most of their demands are beyond the ministry's authority, particularly those related to the teachers' status. The teachers' demands include modifying the special status to reclassify primary school teachers at the same base grade as secondary and middle school teachers.
In response to the teachers' boycott of exams, the education ministry instructed inspectors and school principals to prepare exam questions. The teachers' protest has paralyzed primary schools nationwide. The striking teachers have been demanding changes for a month, including a reduction in teaching hours and the immediate implementation of a 2014 presidential decree with retroactive effect.
The teachers also demand the creation of new teacher grades for scientific, literary, and physical education subjects. Additionally, they call for revised educational programs to lighten students' backpacks and adjust school calendars and vacation schedules for southern regions. The teachers' platform also includes demands for the return of the right to early retirement and regularization of the status of teachers trained after June 3, 2012.
The coordination of primary school teachers has decided to organize a national rally in front of the education ministry's annex in Algiers' Ruisseau neighborhood. This move is part of their ongoing protest. The teachers' union emphasizes that their protest is their "ultimate resort" to make their voices heard. The situation remains tense between the teachers and the education ministry.
The education ministry's attempts to address the teachers' concerns have not been successful so far. The ministry's instructions to inspectors and school principals aim to mitigate the impact of the boycott, but the teachers remain resolute. The national rally planned for Monday is expected to draw significant attention to the teachers' demands.
The teachers' protest highlights the challenges facing Algeria's education sector. The government's response to the teachers' demands will likely have a significant impact on the sector's future. The situation remains uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight. The teachers' determination to continue their protest suggests that the issue may not be resolved soon.
Key points
- Algerian primary school teachers continue their three-day strike and boycott exams.
- The teachers demand changes to their status, including reclassification and reduced teaching hours.
- A national rally is planned in Algiers to draw attention to the teachers' demands.
