Publication of the School Calendar Amid Salary Arrears; Teachers Call on Minister to Intervene

A whole set of measures is about to be implemented for the official start of the school year, scheduled for October 1st. The ministry is working to address teachers' demands Through this decision, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) believes it has the necessary time to finalize several ongoing projects, closely linked to curriculum reform. Among these priorities are: the distribution of the Single Textbook, the strengthening of school canteens, the consolidation of four new subjects for fundamental classes, the improvement of the management of high schools and national schools, as well as the finalization of the census of educational establishments. In parallel with the correction of official exams for the 2024-2025 academic year, the MENFP will also have to take into account the demands of teachers' unions and re-evaluate its relationships with various social partners. Premises occupied by displaced persons Union officials believe that the ministry and competent authorities should work towards the relocation of public schools located in areas under the control of armed groups. According to several union leaders, including Fedner Confident (ASPAED) and Léo Litholu (Union des parents d’élèves), the MENFP must remain attentive to parents and all stakeholders working in the education sector. Among the recommendations made are: the payment of salary arrears, the establishment of an assistance program for displaced parents, the distribution of teaching materials, as well as the appointment of teachers to be permanently integrated into the system. These measures, they say, are essential to facilitate the reopening of classes and ensure the success of the new academic year. The school calendar published by the MENFP has, moreover, sparked numerous reactions across the country, particularly in the Southeast department, where some public establishments located in communal sections remain neglected. The appointments file… Reacting to the publication of the calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, Professor Charles Pierre Brisson, interim director of the Haut Ravine Normande Complete National School, launched an urgent appeal to MENFP officials. Awaiting official appointment, he indicates that out of a total of 23 teachers in his establishment, only two have an appointment within the system. This situation, according to him, should challenge educational authorities. Professor Brisson urges the MENFP to regularize the payment of several months of salary arrears and to proceed with the appointment of the teachers concerned, who are threatening to boycott the start of the school year in this remote locality of the Southeast. 186 school days for the academic year The start of classes for the 2025-2026 academic year is set for October 1st, according to a statement released by the MENFP on August 7th. According to the official calendar, the school year will comprise 186 school days, approximately:
• 844 hours for preschool
• 930 hours for fundamental education
• 1,116 hours for secondary education. Jacques Innocent