The World Teachers' Day was celebrated in Kankan on October 31, 2026, with a ceremony organized by the Syndicat national de l'éducation (SNE). The event, held at the Maison des jeunes, brought together administrative and educational authorities, as well as several union leaders from different prefectures in the Kankan administrative region.
Michel Pépé Balamou, Secretary General of the SNE, highlighted the significance of the day, which aims to promote the revaluation of the teaching profession and draw attention to the living and working conditions of teachers. He mentioned that the celebration was moved to Kankan to bring union leaders closer to their base and report on the progress made since the agreement with the government was signed.
Balamou discussed the progress made, including the revaluation of salaries, housing and transportation allowances, and the commitment of 4,304 contract teachers who were not retained after the practical evaluation. He also explained the decision not to go on strike on October 5, citing the 70% implementation of the agreement, which is expected to reach 80% with the commitment of contract teachers.
The SNE Secretary General also mentioned that the revision of the special status of teachers is nearing completion, with only three to five articles to be examined before being submitted to the President for signature. However, some demands remain pending, including the administrative regularization of certain local civil servants, the reclassification of teachers engaged in 2017, and the release of blocked salaries.
Balamou announced the release of salaries for 72 teachers at the end of October and the expected payment of functional allowances to education system cadres by the end of November. He emphasized the need for continued dialogue until all pending issues are resolved, warning that if progress is not made, the union base will be consulted and its decision will be imposed on the executive bureau.
Moussa Diakité, coordinator of the regional association of former contract teachers in Kankan, expressed gratitude to the SNE for its support in the integration process of former contract teachers. He called on President Mamadi Doumbouya to settle the situation of contract teachers who were not retained and praised the efforts of the national coordinator of contract teachers, Djaka Sow.
The celebration provided a platform for exchanges between union leaders and teachers in the Kankan region, discussing progress made, pending demands, and prospects for improving working conditions in the education sector.
Key points
- The World Teachers' Day was celebrated in Kankan on October 31, 2026.
- The celebration aimed to promote the revaluation of the teaching profession.
- The SNE reported progress made in implementing the agreement with the government.
