Introduction
In Senegal, the Minister of National Education adopted a new concept “ubbi tey, diang tey”, which means “start classes on opening day”. We note that the start of the school year for this Thursday, October 5 is in effect in certain schools, mainly those in the private sector already providing learning. In other schools on the other hand, especially public ones, it is not the start of the school year as such but a day of registration, making contacts and reunions. Better still, the delay in consultation work with education partners is also the cause of the ringing of the first bell for the reopening of classes and school holidays.
THE “OUBI TEY DIANG TEY” CONCEPT
“Oubi tey diang tey” is not just a concept for the Minister of National Education. It is also a challenge for Mamadou Talla who will attend his first return to school, as a minister. The State desires to have a peaceful year and good results. To do this, the government goes through dialogue. With all the reforms they are undertaking, the financial and other resources will be mobilized for a successful year. Thus, this cannot be done without the social partners, civil society, parents, teachers, and the educational community. The authorities recognize that they cannot have the responsibility of managing, directing and organizing national education from preschool to middle school without involving all the stakeholders. In addition, the agreements that have been signed will resume the monitoring that has existed since 2014 and will evolve within the framework of this dialogue where several ministries: the Ministry of Labor, Housing, Economy, and National Education were involved. However, a change has been made. Because it was the Prime Minister who was responsible for monitoring. But since there is no longer a Prime Minister, someone has been appointed in his place.
THE OBSTACLES OF THE CONCEPT
On the other hand, the reality is faced to make the concept “ubbi tey, diang tey” with variable geometry effective. Private in full swing in classes, public in registration mode. A shy presence of students in certain reception areas. The shortage of teachers is hampering the start of the school year. A few days before the elections, threats are looming throughout teaching. Most establishments are still invaded by rainwater or grassy mats. The overwhelming majority of teachers and students, as well as the arrangements to make establishments accessible, did not respond. It is also noted that in all schools, educational and didactic inputs have not been put in place. Apart from the desire to have an efficient education system, and respect the academic quantum, these measures have above all not been respected at a certain level. No measures have yet been taken at the educational level to deal with social instability in public establishments with two presidential elections. Even if in the agreements between government and trade union organizations, certain commitments are respected, the academies want to do better in administration to collect the maximum educational results during this next academic year. However, the shortage of teachers is hampering the return to school. Indeed, 564 teachers, compared to that of 2023, experienced more departures (364 compared to 310 in 2022) in all programs. The academy recorded only thirty-four (34) arrivals to fill the cumulative deficit of 564 teachers. 260 departures were recorded at the elementary level. In reality, the academy has a deficit of 368 teachers in this program with 12 arrivals. Secondary education has a deficit of 124 teachers out of 94 departures noted and only 21 arrivals recorded. For preschool, 60 teachers and no arrivals. The academy inspector, Mbaye Babou, expressed his concerns about the effectiveness of the start of the school year.
Conclusion
In short, the education authority has put in place the necessary mechanisms to fill the gap by activating redeployment for the smooth running of teaching-learning. Faced with the deficit of 564 teachers, special recruitment with local preference is proposed.
