Tripoli:Education and Higher Education Minister Dr. Rima Karami has announced that the school consolidation plan aims to enhance education quality, minimize waste, and optimize the use of human resources, especially in rural regions.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Dr. Karami dismissed allegations that the plan is designed to target specific regions or communities or to undermine public education. She explained that the decisions regarding consolidation are grounded in various factors, such as student enrollment numbers, staff availability, alternative nearby schools, distance, geographical and security considerations, language of instruction, and the needs of inclusive schools.
Dr. Karami highlighted that certain schools exhibit extremely low enrollment, with some classes consisting of only a few students, resulting in a cost per student ranging from $6,000 to $8,000, compared to less than $1,000 in other areas.
She emphasized that any decisions could be revisited if they are found not to be in the best interest of the students. The ultimate goal is to transition from having "more schools" to "better schools," equipped with qualified teachers, effective administration, and necessary resources like laboratories, libraries, technology, activities, and support services.
Dr. Karami further stated that this consolidation initiative is a part of a wider strategy aimed at reconstructing public education. This strategy includes addressing learning loss, modernizing governance, and strengthening partnerships with municipalities, parents, and civil society.
