Beirut, Friday, February 18, 2022“100% LIBAN” organized a panel discussion delving into “the procedure of saving the academic year 2021-2022 and the obstacles faced by the education sector in Lebanon,” which took place at their headquarters.
The panel discussion was organized with participation from the Minister of Education and Higher Education Judge Dr. Abbas Al-Halabi, and in the presence of several heads and representatives of unions and educational groups, schools, specialists, and those interested in educational affairs.
This panel discussion is part of a series of meetings initiated by “100% LIBAN” touching on financial, economic, educational, agricultural, and industrial issues, with participation from experts and specialists representing various economic and productive sectors. The series’ main target is to put forward an action plan to revive the Lebanese economy.
His Excellency, the Minister of Education and Higher Education thoroughly explained his vision to salvage the academic year 2021-2022, and the subsequent year. His presentation was followed by a discussion about practical solutions alongside attendees, placing student interest and academic quality at the forefront.
Among the most prominent propositions and ideas discussed:
· Reviewing the distribution of the national budget’s percentages, which usually stands at 35/65%, as the current calculation process is no longer valid in light of the significant imbalances in the exchange rate.
· Asking the Ministry of Education for monetary contribution, even if symbolic, directed to private school teachers, similar to that of public-school teachers through aid from donor countries.
· Involving both schools and teachers in studies, seminars, and lectures, initiated by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Educational Center for Research and Development, aiming to update the current curricula.
· Activating and unifying parental committees, allowing for calm discussions of the budgets prepared by school administrations away from convulsive and populist stances.
· Due to the major brain drain, many professors are seeking refuge in countries allowing them to improve their deteriorating quality of life, which results in the regression of academic standards distinguishing Lebanon worldwide.
Based on primary results, “100% LIBAN” will look to sponsor the formation of a committee, to liaise between different school administrations to unify stances and propositions, which opens direct dialogue with public institutions represented by the Ministry of Education in an effort to update the laws keeping them on par with development and scientific progress.