The region of Kédougou is facing a significant shortage of teachers ahead of the new school year 2026-2027. According to Abdel Nasser Diallo, Inspector of the Academy, the region needs at least 418 teachers to fill the gap in preschool, elementary, middle, and high schools. This shortage is attributed to a national movement of teacher transfers that began in 2024, resulting in a mass departure of teachers from the Kédougou academy.
The Inspector of the Academy made these remarks during the Regional Development Committee (CRD) meeting, which was held in preparation for the upcoming school year. The meeting was presided over by Mouhamadoul Moustapha Gaye, Deputy Governor of the Kédougou region, and attended by academic and school authorities, technical services, and social partners. The committee discussed the challenges facing the education sector in the region, including the teacher shortage, infrastructure needs, and the impact of the rainy season.
The shortage of teachers is not the only challenge facing the education sector in Kédougou. The region also needs 11,662 desks and benches in all school districts. Although the inspections were equipped with desks and benches last year, the need remains pressing. Additionally, 91 temporary shelters are still in use, hindering equity and quality in education. The Inspector expressed hope for the deployment of the Emergency Program for the Resorption of Priority Temporary Shelters (PURAP).
The learning environment in many schools is also a concern. Many schools in the Kédougou academy lack sanitation facilities and water points, which can lead to dropout rates, particularly among girls. The region also experienced flooding in several schools due to heavy rainfall this year, with four schools in Kédougou and seven in the Saraya department affected. These challenges highlight the need for urgent attention and investment in the education sector.
The priorities identified during the CRD meeting include securing the opening of classes and providing sustainable solutions to pedagogical support, infrastructure, and territorial equity needs. The success of the new school year depends on the coordination of competent services, territorial collectivities, educational teams, partners, and communities. The Inspector acknowledged the important contributions of mining companies and partners in improving school infrastructure.
Abdel Nasser Diallo emphasized that the new school year is an opportunity to consolidate the achievements of the Kédougou academy and align with the national dynamic of transforming the education system. He stressed that every child deserves an equal chance to succeed, regardless of distance or location. The Inspector called for collective efforts to ensure that every student finds a welcoming school, a present teacher, and effective learning opportunities from the first day.
The Kédougou academy is working to address these challenges and ensure a successful start to the new school year. The region is counting on the support of partners, including mining companies, to improve school infrastructure and provide the necessary resources for a quality education. With a coordinated effort, the academy aims to provide a better learning environment for students and improve educational outcomes in the region.
Key points
- The region of Kédougou needs over 400 teachers to address a shortage in various educational levels.
- The region also needs 11,662 desks and benches in all school districts.
- 91 temporary shelters are still in use, hindering equity and quality in education.
