In the Algerian wilaya of Tizi Ouzou, parents and their associations have expressed outrage over anonymous calls on social media for students to skip school. The calls, which urged students to strike for three days in support of the popular movement against the political system, were deemed "purely manipulative and sectarian" by parents. They believe the strikes are intended to disrupt the normal school year and are not in the best interest of their children.
The Fédération des associations des parents d’élèves (FAPE) has urged parents to remain calm and sensible, and to encourage their children to attend school. According to a parent, the calls to strike are an attempt to manipulate children into skipping school under the guise of supporting the Hirak movement. This parent, who is a regular participant in anti-government protests, described the manipulation of children as "inconscious."
On Tuesday, several schools in the wilaya were deserted by students, but parents intervened to convince them to return to class. However, some schools, particularly colleges, remained empty on Wednesday and Thursday. In the city of Tizi Ouzou, groups of students were seen marching in the streets, chanting slogans they had been told to repeat, without fully understanding their meaning or significance.
The FAPE and the education authority issued a joint statement on Thursday, urging students to return to school and ignore the anonymous calls to strike. They emphasized that the strike would have negative repercussions on the current school year and stressed the need for parents, educators, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted school year.
Many observers see the anonymous calls to strike as a form of manipulation that puts children at risk. By leaving school to protest in the streets without adult supervision, children are exposed to potential dangers. In response, parents and teachers have taken to social media to discourage students from striking and to encourage them to return to class.
Some parents have expressed concern about the impact of these events on their children's education and future prospects. With Algeria's future uncertain, one mother urged parents not to sacrifice their children's education by participating in the strike. Others have called on teachers and school administrators to take greater responsibility for protecting students from manipulation and ensuring their safety.
The situation in Tizi Ouzou highlights the challenges faced by educators and parents in maintaining order and stability in schools amidst broader social and political tensions. As the school year continues, stakeholders will need to work together to mitigate the effects of these disruptions and prioritize the well-being and education of students.
Key points
- Parents and associations in Tizi Ouzou condemn anonymous calls for school strikes as manipulative and sectarian.
- The Fédération des associations des parents d’élèves (FAPE) urges parents to remain calm and sensible, and to encourage their children to attend school.
- The strike has negative repercussions on the current school year, and stakeholders must work together to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted school year.
