The Tunisian government has addressed the situation of adult education teachers, stating that their financial status has been improved through a revision of the specific hiring system for this category of educators. This move comes as part of efforts to settle the professional status of teachers involved in adult education and literacy programs. According to the government, these teachers' roles align more closely with those in the social education sector.
The government explained that fully integrating adult education teachers into the social education sector is complex due to the diverse ages, educational levels, and specialties of those involved. An order issued in 2024, number 544, revised a 2018 government decree related to the hiring system for contract teachers and those involved in literacy and adult education under the Ministry of Social Affairs. This revision aims to enhance the financial situation of these educators.
The issue has been raised by several members of the Tunisian Parliament, including Hassan Al-Jarboui, who emphasized the long-standing contributions of adult education teachers to the country. He argued that their current classification does not reflect their role in society and called for a regularization of their professional and administrative status. This would provide them with job security, professional dignity, and access to their social and professional rights.
Another member of parliament, Asma Al-Dreish, inquired about the steps taken to complete this process. The government has provided insights into its efforts to address these concerns. The Ministry of Social Affairs, through the National Center for Adult Education, manages the national program for adult education and literacy. This program operates through hundreds of learning centers across Tunisia.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, illiteracy rates in Tunisia have decreased to 17.3%. The country is moving towards expanding the concept of adult education and literacy. This expansion includes acquiring life skills, health education, occupational safety, and road safety, as part of a new vision for lifelong learning. The goal is to promote social and economic integration and support learners throughout their educational and professional paths.
The National Program for Adult Education currently includes 945 lifelong learning centers and 11 model centers in 11 governorates. It targets between 20,000 and 25,000 illiterate individuals annually, relying on over 845 contract teachers and 114 registered teachers. Recently, the program's general director highlighted a new approach focusing on lifelong learning, diversifying learning opportunities, and developing educational pathways.
The new approach aims to connect learning with social and economic empowerment. The program seeks to enhance the educational and professional trajectories of learners. With these developments, the government continues to work on improving the conditions and recognition of adult education teachers in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has revised the hiring system for adult education teachers to improve their financial status.
- There are currently 945 lifelong learning centers and 11 model centers in 11 governorates under the National Program for Adult Education.
- Illiteracy rates in Tunisia have decreased to 17.3%, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
