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Mohamed Saad Barada, Minister of National Education, Preschool Education, and Sports, presented the proactive measures adopted by the ministry to mitigate the effects of the adverse weather conditions currently affecting the country. He confirmed the activation of vigilance cells within the ministry through toll-free numbers at the regional level, appointing officials to monitor potential issues, especially given the heavy rainfall and cold waves.
During a parliamentary session for oral questions in the Council of Advisors on Tuesday, Barada indicated that coordination had taken place with local authorities and parents’ associations, with a prompt response to warning bulletins where study activities would be suspended or necessary measures taken as needed.
The minister added that the ministry has supplied boarding schools and educational institutions with an adequate number of blankets and urged school bus drivers to exercise caution during periods of inclement weather.
Regarding heating provisions, the government official revealed that 27 out of 82 regional directorates had benefited from heating equipment, with 2,814 educational institutions included in this initiative, of which 2,600 are in rural areas, ultimately serving a total of 444,000 students.
In terms of upgrading the infrastructure of educational institutions, Barada reported that between 2022 and 2026, 4,899 educational facilities were repaired or renovated, alongside the enhancement of 4,628 primary schools under the leadership program, and the renovation of 786 middle schools qualified for leadership, bringing the total number of renovated institutions to over 9,000 out of 12,000.
In the same vein, Barada noted that approximately 4,000 out of 13,000 branches currently lack water connection, committing to connect them all within this year, or to supply them with large water tanks if connection proves unfeasible, to ensure the proper functioning of sanitary facilities.
Additionally, according to the government official, sanitary facilities have been constructed in 3,345 institutions during the same period, and fences and enclosures have been built for 2,063 institutions, along with providing accessibility for children with disabilities in 5,100 institutions, and dismantling and rebuilding 4,851 classrooms.
Concerning school transportation, Barada emphasized that the number of students benefitting in the current school year has increased by 4% compared to the 2024/2025 academic year, reaching 700,000 students, of whom 600,000 come from rural areas. He noted that this figure aligns with the goals set out in the roadmap, while acknowledging the need for additional efforts.
The minister recalled the agreement signed between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior, which relies on local planning to determine the actual needs for school transportation, based on the time it takes for students to commute between their homes and educational institutions, whether on foot or by bus.
Barada explained that this study will categorize students into three groups: those who must travel on foot, those who should benefit from school transportation, and others who need to be accommodated in boarding schools. He assured that the results of the study would be ready in the coming months.
