Mali: Despite the student orientation crisis, private schools are declining, raising questions about government criteria
The decline observed in recent years in some private schools in Mali, which are no longer receiving new students holding the Diplôme d’Études Fondamentales (DEF) for the 10th grade, raises questions about the responsibility for this situation. The affected private institutions accuse the State of not adhering to the legal criteria for student orientation.
According to the headmaster of a private school, although their institution meets the eligibility standards, they have not received student orientations for two years. Some believe that the State conducted an identification of compliant institutions, closing down those that did not meet the criteria.
However, there are still schools that meet the standards but have not received students, while some public schools, not entirely meeting the criteria, were selected.
This situation raises concerns about the survival of private institutions, as the absence of students for three consecutive years can lead to the closure of the school. Some mention the past illegal creation of schools, highlighting the current government’s intention to regulate and moralize this sector.
It is important to emphasize that education is a right for all, and the current situation can have repercussions on many individuals, including teachers and administrators of private schools. The central question seems to be whether the State aims to reduce the number of private institutions or if it is a matter of resources.
In any case, the quote ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ underscores the importance of making thoughtful decisions to preserve this fundamental right.
