The Ministry of National Education calls for ensuring students remain within schools during empty periods and lunchtime
In its continuous efforts to enhance the quality of school life and provide a safe and motivating learning environment, the Ministry of National Education, Preschool Education, and Sports issued a memorandum to regional academy directors and regional education directors, urging them to implement practical measures to ensure that students remain inside educational institutions during lunchtime and the empty periods between classes.
The memorandum emphasized the necessity of activating effective measures to reduce the time students spend outside school premises, particularly between 12 PM and 2 PM, as well as during the breaks between classes, due to the potential negative impact on their physical and mental safety, academic performance, and the risk of accidents or engaging in inappropriate behaviors.
The ministry stressed the importance of targeting students whose social or geographical conditions prevent them from returning home during these periods, whether due to distance or lack of transportation, considering this initiative as part of ongoing efforts to combat school dropout and early school leaving.
To achieve these objectives, the ministry called for the allocation of suitable spaces within institutions, such as multipurpose rooms, libraries, or designated facilities, to accommodate students during these times. It also recommended organizing educational, cultural, and sports activities that contribute to skill development and motivate them to learn, alongside ensuring sufficient supervision and monitoring to guarantee their safety and enhance their sense of security.
The memorandum highlighted the need to coordinate with local community leaders to provide logistical support and necessary resources to ensure the success of this initiative, as well as to involve parents’ associations and other civil society actors to oversee and monitor the implementation of these measures and secure family engagement in supporting them.
Furthermore, the ministry reiterated the importance of integrating this step into a comprehensive vision for developing public education, linking it to various national programs and projects aimed at achieving equity and equal opportunities, and enhancing the appeal of educational institutions and the quality of their educational services.
In conclusion, the interim secretary general, Hassan Qaddad, called for urgent action to ensure the implementation of these directives on the ground, in alignment with the goals of reforming the education and training system.
