Teachers at El Akid Si M'hammed Middle School in Aïn Bessem, Bouira province, Algeria, have been on an open-ended strike since last Monday. The action comes after a teacher of French was physically assaulted by a parent on Sunday. The incident occurred inside the school during the teacher's working hours, in front of students and some school staff. The victim suffered multiple injuries and was issued a 21-day medical leave.
The assaulted teacher filed a complaint with the Aïn Bessem 1st Urban Police Station. The incident has sparked outrage among the teaching staff, who are demanding a reaction from the school administration and the Education Directorate. They are calling for the Education Directorate to take a firm stance and become a civil party in the case. The teachers argue that the incident affects the dignity of all educators.
According to an interview with a teacher, the school has long suffered from a lack of security and discipline. The teacher stated that the school, which includes a residence for teachers, has too few security agents, leading to an atmosphere of anarchy since the start of the year. The teaching staff had previously alerted the school administration to cases of indiscipline and verbal aggression targeting teachers, but no action was taken.
The teachers' union and staff members are expressing their solidarity with the assaulted colleague. They emphasize that the incident is not isolated and reflects a broader problem of security and respect for educators in the school. The teachers are urging the authorities to take concrete measures to ensure their safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Attempts to reach the school's director, El Akid Si M'hammed, for comment were unsuccessful as he was absent on Thursday. The teachers' concerns and demands have been voiced through protests and statements, highlighting the need for a more secure and respectful work environment.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of teachers and students in Algerian schools. The Education Directorate's response, or lack thereof, will likely have a significant impact on the situation. The teachers' strike may continue until their demands are met, affecting the education of students in the area.
The situation at El Akid Si M'hammed Middle School highlights the challenges faced by educators in Algeria. Ensuring the safety and dignity of teachers is essential for providing quality education. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for schools to prioritize the well-being and security of their staff.
Key points
- Algerian teachers protest after colleague beaten by parent at school.
- School administration and Education Directorate criticized for inaction.
- Teachers demand safer work environment and respect for educators.
