Today, Saturday, the Speaker of the House Nabih Berri met with Minister of Education and Higher Education Abbas Halabi at Ain El Tineh. They discussed the general situation and the repercussions of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its impact on the educational sector, the future of the academic year, and educational issues.
After the meeting, the Minister of Education stated: "I had the honor of meeting His Excellency the Speaker of the House, and the meeting provided an opportunity to review several topics, both national and educational. We spoke about the repercussions of the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and our people in the south and border areas, as well as the daily escalation of these assaults, and their impact on the educational situation and the status of schools and students. I assured His Excellency that my team and I are determined to conduct a field visit to the south next Tuesday to assess the situation on the ground and discuss with school principals and educational officials in the region to follow up on our commitments to provide teachers and students with the electronic equipment needed for remote learning."
Halabi added: "We also discussed the issue of displaced persons who have moved to safe areas in response centers and other matters related to the educational sector, the budget allocated to the ministry, and the Lebanese University. It was a very productive session, and I thank His Excellency for that."
In response to a question regarding the cancellation of official exams, the Minister of Education stated: "I do not know why this matter has been understood in this way; no decision has been made yet. However, we are in the process of modifying and developing curricula. There are new things we are considering, but so far, no decision has been taken. We are still in the same situation; I do not know why this confusion arose. I did not make such a statement, and it is premature to discuss this matter."
Regarding the repercussions of the Israeli war and its impact on the future of the academic year, and the issue of strikes among private school teachers, Minister Halabi responded: "Naturally, I discussed this issue with His Excellency the Speaker, because the progress of the academic year is a national concern, not just the responsibility of the Minister of Education. We will take into account the impact of the Israeli assaults on students. The officials in the Ministry of Education are working on this issue, both at the educational center and in the Ministry's General Directorate, and they are acting in consideration of the repercussions of what has happened and is ongoing. As for the issue of strikes in private schools, I am looking forward to Monday to sign the agreement that was sponsored by the Ministry of Education last week, which was expected to be signed last Thursday but was postponed for further consultations within the Union of Private Educational Institutions, as there is significant diversity among private educational institutions and no single entity can speak on behalf of all. God willing, there will not be a strike."
