The Minister of Education holds a series of meetings with more than 4,000 primary and middle school principals
Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, held a series of extensive meetings today with more than 4,000 primary and middle school principals across the country. The meetings were also attended by directors of education directorates and administrations across the country. The meetings discussed the latest developments related to the start of the new 2025/2026 academic year and reviewed steps to develop the educational process.
At the beginning of his speech, the Minister affirmed the state's determination to move forward with the comprehensive and integrated development of the education system. He emphasized that the political leadership pays constant attention to the educational process, closely monitors its developments, and directs the provision of all necessary support to the education system and teachers.
In his address to the attendees, the Minister of Education expressed his sincere appreciation for the dedicated efforts of those responsible for the educational process in the field, including school principals, administrations, education directorates, and teachers.
Regarding preparations for the start of the new school year, the Minister directed that students return to school in stages during the first week of school, ensuring adequate focus and discipline within schools.
As part of the Ministry's commitment to improving the educational environment, the Minister explained that high student density within classrooms is unacceptable, emphasizing that no class should exceed 50 students, and that student attendance rates throughout the school year should not fall below 80%. He noted that school work will be directly linked to regular attendance, which will restore discipline to the educational process within schools. The Ministry of Education also aims to end the evening shift system in primary schools to provide a better learning environment for students.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif also emphasized the need to continue activating school reinforcement groups within schools under the full supervision of education administrations, ensuring equal opportunities for all students in all regions.
The Minister added that school principals are responsible for filling any teacher shortages in their schools, noting that the decision issued to schools grants them the right to contract with class teachers, including their participation in examination and monitoring activities. He also noted that retired teachers will be called upon to benefit from their experience and previous contributions, which are valuable in building a strong educational system. He emphasized that any shortage of teachers for core subjects at any level within any school will be unacceptable.
Regarding textbooks, the Minister directed the completion of the textbook distribution process in schools, emphasizing the need for students to have the textbooks for the subjects from the first day of school during the new year.
He explained that the "assessment books" for core subjects, which are being offered for the first time this year, include a large number of questions to train students on various lessons, ensuring a consistent student assessment mechanism.
The Minister addressed the completion of the first phase of the National Program for the Development of Arabic Language Skills and the launch of the second phase in partnership with UNICEF. He emphasized that the Ministry aims to eliminate poor reading and writing skills among primary school students by 2027.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of maintaining the general appearance of schools, including painting classrooms and walls, planting trees, and improving the school environment before the start of the school year. He emphasized that the goal is to provide a clean and safe environment that fosters student belonging. He emphasized that the school principal is primarily responsible for ensuring their school's best appearance, as this reflects discipline and stems from their leadership role in managing the educational institution.
The Minister also emphasized the strict and serious implementation of the Educational Motivation and School Discipline Regulations to ensure an educational environment based on order and commitment.
Regarding the baccalaureate system, the Minister indicated that implementing the new system represents a fundamental step toward alleviating the burden on students and parents, avoiding the pressures caused by a single exam that determines a student's fate, and providing students with multiple opportunities in a more equitable and fair manner, along with a smaller number of subjects. This will give students greater freedom to determine their future paths, while maintaining the quality of educational outcomes in accordance with international standards.
The sessions witnessed extensive discussions, during which the Minister listened to various opinions and suggestions. The sessions also included an exchange of views on the various challenges facing the educational process, and proposals and ways to resolve them were put forward.
For their part, the school principals participating in the meeting expressed their appreciation for the Ministry's efforts to advance the educational process. They praised the Minister's efforts in supporting principals and teachers and listening to their suggestions and concerns on the ground. They affirmed their full commitment to implementing the Ministry's directives to achieve discipline and quality education within schools.