Minister of Education and Higher Education Rima Karami stressed, in an interview with Al-Resala Radio, that “the education file today occupies the highest priority on the national scene, amid unstable security conditions that pose major challenges to both students and teachers, from the reality of the educational process to the fate of official examinations and the readiness of schools.”
She explained that “the number of schools that have shifted to distance learning has not yet been finalized, with estimates indicating that the number ranges between 350 and 400 schools, due to differences in building ownership between independent schools and others that share the same building.”
Karami announced that “the ministry has adopted a dual-track system: the first track is for schools forcibly closed, where a comprehensive survey was launched to determine the locations of teachers and students and the extent to which they have access to educational tools.
The second track is through the Teams platform, for which free internet service was secured to support it, along with monitoring attendance rates and deploying educational guidance to support schools and monitor teachers’ needs.”
She added that “the interaction rate on the platform reached around 40%, with an increase in the number of automation staff to assist teachers and resolve any technical problems. As for baccalaureate students, the survey revealed that more than 90% of them own personal devices, while guidance reports are set to begin being issued within a week to assess the level and quality of interaction.”
Regarding examinations, she noted that “decisions related to the nature and content of the questions are usually taken in May,” stressing that “the current delay falls within the normal timeframe, and students will not be asked about any part they have not studied.” She also stressed that “the ministry is working to avoid granting unfair certificates, whether the exams are held in a unified national format or in the traditional pattern, provided that the decision related to the secondary certificate is issued before the brevet examinations.”
As for the affected areas in the south, she indicated that “there is an integrated plan to address the issue, with alternative schools being provided for the Yaroun and Aita al-Shaab schools, and ongoing communication with school principals to assess conditions and take appropriate measures.”
She affirmed “the adoption of the principle of fairness among students,” noting that “between 120 and 130 schools succeeded in resuming distance learning despite displacement conditions,” describing this achievement as “a heroic testament from the affected areas, where the educational process continued through the Teams platform.”
She pointed out that “the ministry is intensifying its communication with donor الجهات to secure additional resources and support education in affected areas, contributing to improving students’ chances of obtaining sustainable education.”
