Tunisia's presidency has announced that it is looking into improving the financial situation of adult education teachers through a government decree. This move comes as a response to the difficulties in categorizing these teachers under the social education sector. The decree aims to adjust the wage system for contract teachers and those involved in adult education and literacy programs.
The presidency stated that resolving the professional situation of teachers involved in adult education and literacy requires categorizing them under the social education sector. However, this poses several challenges due to the diverse age groups, educational levels, and specialties of those involved. The current situation has sparked concerns among some lawmakers, who argue that these teachers' contributions to building society and eradicating illiteracy warrant better recognition.
In response to these concerns, the government issued decree 544 of 2024, amending a 2018 decree that regulates the wage system for contract teachers and those involved in adult education and literacy programs. This amendment aims to improve the financial situation of these teachers. Lawmakers, including Hassan al-Jarboui, have emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of these teachers' years of service and expertise.
Al-Jarboui and other lawmakers, such as Aスマa al-Dreish, have raised questions about the measures being taken to address this issue. They argue that adult education teachers have made significant contributions to society and should be accorded the respect and compensation they deserve. The lawmakers' concerns reflect the need for a stable and dignified professional environment for these educators.
The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for managing the National Program for Adult Education and Literacy through the National Center for Adult Education. The program aims to provide lifelong learning opportunities through hundreds of learning centers across various governorates. According to the National Institute of Statistics, illiteracy rates in Tunisia have declined to 17.3%.
Tunisia is shifting its focus towards expanding the concept of adult education and literacy to include life skills, health education, occupational safety, and road safety. This new approach aims to promote social and economic integration and support learners throughout their educational and professional journeys. The National Program for Adult Education currently has 945 learning centers and 11 model centers in 11 governorates.
The program targets between 20,000 and 25,000 illiterate individuals annually, with over 845 contract teachers and 114 permanent teachers. The Director-General of the National Program for Adult Education emphasized that the new approach prioritizes lifelong learning, offering diverse learning opportunities and tailored educational pathways to meet the needs of various groups.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has issued a decree to improve the financial situation of adult education teachers.
- The decree aims to adjust the wage system for contract teachers and those involved in adult education and literacy programs.
- The program targets between 20,000 and 25,000 illiterate individuals annually.
