The Tunisian Ministry of Education has launched a new program aimed at countering emerging phenomena and risky behaviors in schools, as announced by Minister of Education Noureddine Nouri. The program, which took effect on October 1, 2026, seeks to address issues affecting students' safety and well-being. According to local media outlet Diwan FM, the initiative includes several key measures to promote a secure learning environment. The program's implementation is a significant step towards ensuring students' physical and psychological safety.

One of the primary measures introduced is the prohibition of students leaving school premises during class hours. This move aims to prevent students from engaging in potentially risky activities outside of school. Additionally, the program allocates ten minutes within socialization and human sciences classes to awareness and information sessions. These sessions focus on responsible social media use and cybersecurity, essential topics in today's digital age. By incorporating these measures, the ministry hopes to reduce the influence of negative behaviors.

The program also involves mobilizing available human resources from relevant ministries to guarantee students' physical and psychological safety. A remote listening platform will be established in coordination with the Ministries of Health and Social Affairs. This platform will provide support and counseling services to students, helping to identify and address potential issues early on. The collaboration between ministries ensures a comprehensive approach to student well-being.

Furthermore, the program plans to intensify cultural and sporting activities within educational institutions. This will be achieved through coordination with local youth centers and animators from the Ministry of Family, Women, Childhood, and Seniors. By offering alternative activities, the program aims to engage students positively and provide them with a supportive environment. This approach can help reduce the likelihood of students engaging in risky behaviors.

The program's success will depend on effective implementation and follow-up. The Ministry of Education employs a large workforce, and it is crucial that they can put these decisions into practice. Ensuring the program's goals are met will require careful monitoring and evaluation. The ministry must demonstrate its commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

The introduction of this program has been met with cautious optimism. While the ministry's intentions are clear, the effectiveness of the program remains to be seen. In the past, authorities have faced challenges in implementing and enforcing similar initiatives. However, the current program's comprehensive approach and inter-ministerial collaboration may help overcome these obstacles.

The program's impact will be closely watched by educators, parents, and students. Its success could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges. Key aspects of the program include a focus on student safety, awareness, and engagement. Three key points underpin the program: prohibiting students from leaving school during class hours, promoting awareness and information sessions, and intensifying cultural and sporting activities.

Key points

  • The program prohibits students from leaving school premises during class hours.
  • The program allocates time for awareness and information sessions on social media use and cybersecurity.
  • The program aims to intensify cultural and sporting activities within educational institutions.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.