The head of the Association of Contracted Teachers in Public Basic Education, Nisreen Shaheen, called on the Minister of Education to freeze the academic year and replace it with a non-formal education system that focuses on psychological and social support for students and unifying the educational community in the face of the effects of the ongoing war in Lebanon.
Shaheen said in an interview with “Lebanon Debate”: A week after the outbreak of war in Lebanon and the displacement, killing and destruction it caused, and in the face of Israeli threats of ground invasion and more massacres, the academic year remains, like the Lebanese people, in the unknown. Talking about educational challenges in these circumstances is painful, but we must try to protect our students and our society from this crisis.
She explained that what is required of the Ministry of Education is not to continue adapting to the existing reality, which reflects a disguised federal policy at the security, food and regional levels, and to implement in-person or distance education in “safe” areas, in light of a war that threatens everyone.
She said: “We educators are obligated to conscious educational leadership, so we demand an announcement to freeze the academic year in public and private schools until the war stops, and to extend it during the summer after the restart. The priority today is community embracement and the promotion of citizenship and inclusive national thought, far from any narrow political agenda.”
She also stressed the right of contract professors to receive their full financial dues for the days of forced suspension, as was done during the Corona pandemic in accordance with Law 325, stressing: “Contract professors cannot be left without pay under these catastrophic circumstances, while the rest of the employees receive their salaries normally. This is a right and not a favor from anyone.”
Regarding distance education, Shaheen pointed out its great difficulties due to the lack of the Internet, electricity, and equipment necessary for students and teachers alike, noting that any distance education without securing these basic requirements, and ignoring the psychological state of students, will be formal and a failure.
She stressed the need to temporarily transform the educational system into non-formal education, and implement a unified national program that relies on the psychological and social support programs available at the Educational Center for Research and Development, study centers and educational and humanitarian associations. She explained that “the goal is not to create new programs under the pressure of the crisis, but rather to benefit from existing programs to provide educational, psychological and social activities that help students overcome shocks, instead of forcing them to attend classes or distance education that does not meet their needs.”
Shaheen concluded her speech by calling on everyone to show solidarity: “We condemn the Israeli enemy’s attacks and the killing and displacement they caused, and we condemn any failure by the Lebanese state or the international community to stop this war. It is a time for embrace, a time to express our humanity, and to protect our students and families in Lebanon from the pain of this ordeal.”
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