With one week to go before the start of the school year, a regional development committee (CRD) was held this Monday in Saint-Louis, chaired by Governor Al Hassan Sall. The meeting brought together education stakeholders, technical services, and administrative authorities to review preparations for the start of the school year scheduled for October 8, as well as the challenges related to flooding and the spread of Rift Valley fever in the northern region.

Establishments still under water

The governor recalled that several schools remain affected by flooding after the winter. "Cleaning, disinfection and beautification operations are planned with the support of the fire brigade, SONAGED and the hygiene brigade, in order to ensure optimal reception conditions for students as soon as classes open," he nevertheless reassured.

"We want classes to start on the scheduled date and for all conditions to be met so that students are present on the day," insisted Al Hassan Sall.

The CRD also emphasized the need to address the teacher shortage, estimated at more than 500 in primary and secondary schools. "A plea will be made to the Ministry of National Education to increase staffing levels and improve the situation of temporary shelters, which remain a persistent problem in some areas," the governor promised.

The head of the regional executive also advocated for the construction of a high school in Pikine (Saint-Louis), where an elementary school accommodates primary, middle, and high school students. He also proposed the opening of a technical high school in Podor, in order to expand the training offer and meet the needs of young people in the area.

The threat of Rift Valley fever

As the Rift Valley fever epidemic spreads, local authorities have reassured parents and teachers. Dusting, disinfection, and awareness-raising operations are underway. Information sheets on the disease have been distributed to better inform the population about prevention methods. "All measures are being taken to ensure that this epidemic has no impact on the start of the school year," the governor said.

Ambitions shared by the academy inspection

For his part, the secretary general of the Saint-Louis academy inspection, Mafall Der, recalled the objectives set for this return to school which, according to him, are to improve teaching and learning conditions, eliminate temporary shelters, rehabilitate school furniture and guarantee an effective start of classes from October 8.

"We will be urging parents to send their children on the first day. School can and should start immediately," he said.