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Lebanon
Minister of Education and Higher Education Rima Karami met with an expanded delegation from the Union of Private Educational Institutions, headed by the Union's coordinator Father Youssef Nasr.
After reviewing a presentation on the Ministry's plan, those in attendance discussed various topics and expressed their positions on them.
Father Nasr said, after the meeting: "We heard from Minister Karami the ministry's work plan on many points that we needed clarification on. There was a consensus in opinion and vision on a number of key important points. First, regarding the official baccalaureate exams, everyone agrees on their necessity and importance. All administrative procedures are left to the Ministry of Education and the wisdom of the Minister to take appropriate action. But what matters is that every student obtains their right to earn this certificate, given its importance and necessity."
He added: "As for grade 9, we consulted with the Minister on the subject of the national examination, and she has a viewpoint that she will put forward at the appropriate time. She is open to discussion of all opinions so that we can do what is possible in the current circumstances in a way that achieves our goal without disturbing or confusing students in these difficult circumstances we are going through."
He explained: "We paused at the need to facilitate a number of administrative procedures regarding applications, civil registry extracts, and required documents. The Minister promised us that this will be done to facilitate matters related to exam registration applications."
Father Nasr also noted that "we focused heavily on the subject of curricula, which is a topic that needs more time. But everyone agrees and recognizes the need to begin implementing these curricula, but let us see what mechanism is appropriate for this particular moment."
He said: "The meeting was very good, and we wish the Minister strength for all the efforts she is making. She listens to all parties and stakeholders to form a complete and comprehensive picture, enabling her to come out with a national proposal that satisfies all parties. This is appreciated by all private educational institutions."
