In the village of Frijou, located in the municipality of Chachar in Khenchela province, Algeria, parents of students at the Mubarak Middle School took drastic action on October 5, 2026, by closing the school and preventing their children from attending classes. The decision was made in response to concerns over the poor quality and insufficiency of meals provided to students, as well as the absence of adequate administrative and educational supervision.
According to the parents, the students, many of whom come from low-income families and rural areas, have been complaining about the food provided. The lack of sufficient meals has exacerbated the challenges faced by these students. Furthermore, the parents noted that the school's educational and administrative staff are woefully inadequate, with no teachers, supervisors, or administrators assigned to the school.
The closure of the school was a last resort for the parents, who had been monitoring the situation for two weeks since the start of the academic year. Frustrated with the lack of response from authorities, they decided to take matters into their own hands. By closing the school, they aimed to draw attention to the dire conditions faced by their children and to push for immediate improvements.
In response to the parents' concerns, the Director of Education in Khenchela province visited the school, accompanied by the President of the Chachar Municipality and the President of the Chachar District. The Director acknowledged the issues raised by the parents, including the need for more teaching staff and better food for the students.
The Director of Education assured the parents that efforts were underway to address the staffing shortages through a combination of appointments and contract hires. This, he explained, would ensure that students receive the educational support they need. Additionally, he promised to review the quality of food provided to students and work with relevant authorities to improve it.
The parents' concerns highlight broader issues within Algeria's education system, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The lack of adequate resources, including qualified staff and sufficient food, hampers the educational experience for many students. The situation in Chachar underscores the need for increased investment in education infrastructure and support for disadvantaged communities.
Ultimately, the closure of the Mubarak Middle School in Chachar brought attention to the plight of students and their families, who are demanding better conditions for their education. The authorities' response indicates a recognition of these issues, but the effectiveness of their measures remains to be seen. For now, the parents and students await tangible improvements to their educational environment.
Key points
- The school closure was a protest against poor food quality and lack of educational staff.
- Authorities have promised to address staffing shortages and improve food quality.
- The situation highlights broader challenges within Algeria's education system, particularly in rural areas.
