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In an exclusive interview with Al Resala Radio, the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Rima Karami said that the education file today occupies a top position on the national scene, amid the turbulent security conditions that pose great challenges to students and teachers alike, from the reality of the educational process to the fate of official exams and the readiness of schools.
The Minister explained that the number of schools that have moved to the distance education system has not yet been decided, with estimates indicating that the number ranges between 350 and 400 schools, due to the disparity in ownership of buildings between independent schools and others that share the same building.
Karami confirmed that the ministry adopted a dual system:
The first track is for forced closed schools, where a comprehensive survey was launched to determine the locations of teachers and students and the availability of educational tools.
The second path is through the “Teams” program, which has been provided with a free internet service to support it, while monitoring attendance rates and employing educational guidance to keep up with schools and monitor the needs of teachers.
She indicated that the interaction rate on the program reached about 40%, with an increase in the number of automation employees to assist professors and solve any technical problems.
Regarding baccalaureate students, the survey revealed that more than 90% of them own private devices, and guidance reports will begin to be issued within a week to assess the level and quality of interaction.
Regarding the official exams, the Minister stressed that decisions regarding the nature of the questions and their contents are usually taken in May, stressing that the current delay is within the normal time frame, and that students will not be asked for any part that was not taught to them. She also confirmed that the Ministry is working to avoid giving unfair testimonies, whether the exams are conducted in a unified national format or in the traditional style, provided that the decision regarding the secondary certificate is issued before the “rehearsal” exams.
In the affected areas in the south, the minister explained that there is an integrated plan to address the issue, with the provision of alternative schools for Yarin and Aita al-Shaab schools, and continuous communication with school principals to assess the situation and take appropriate measures.
Karami stressed the adoption of the principle of fairness among students, stressing that between 120 and 130 schools succeeded in resuming distance education despite the conditions of displacement, describing this achievement as a “heroic testimony” for the affected areas, as they continued the educational process through the “Teams” program.
Finally, she pointed out that the Ministry is intensifying its communication with donors to secure additional resources and support education in the affected areas, which contributes to improving students’ opportunities to obtain a sustainable education.
