Colonial Relics in Tunisian Education

Colonial Relics in Tunisian Education

Colonial Relics in Tunisian Education

Written by Valeria Romano

INTRODUCTION

Education has a specific function in nation-building. Standardized education leads to the homogenization of representations and reasoning, creating a procrustean-minded population[i]. Education is the first lynchpin to build a cohesive society based on shared values and beliefs, as it allows state administration and legislation to deliver messages and socialize with its people. Schooling systems were deemed essential by colonial powers to maintain dominance in overseas territories. For instance, France established a homogeneous and highly centralized education framework in all its colonies, where educational buildings could not operate without permission and teachers had to follow a national curriculum provided by the colonial body. The goal was to impose French culture on the newly acquired territories.

This article will delve into education functioning as a colonial, oppressive framework. It will focus on the former French colony of Tunisia, presenting its history and describing relics of colonial scholastic legislation. Finally, the essay will look at contemporary academic trends in Tunisia.

 

 

HISTORY OF COLONIZED TUNISIA

In 1881, Tunisia became a French protectorate through a treaty. Although the French government did not appropriate land, France still controlled the region’s political and economic systems (Anon 2025). The French acquired most of the land privately, without direct assistance from authorities. However, the communal lands owned by the tribes, particularly the waqfs (inalienable property), could not be transferred to new owners. To stop this and facilitate the process of land acquisition for the colonial French, new laws enacted in the protectorate allowed for long-term lease (“Modern History of the Arab Countries by Vladimir Borisovich Lutsky 1969,” n.d.).[iii] Although the official language did not change, political communications had to happen in French. Moreover, Tunisian representatives had no autonomy in either international or domestic affairs. Thirteen districts of civil control were established throughout the country, except for the southern territories, which were directly controlled by the French military (idem.).motherland (Anon 2025).[vi]

In the 20th century, independence movements arose around the world. Habib Bourguiba became a prominent leader in the struggle for national autonomy, and in 1934, he founded the Neo Destour Party, which became the key force in the independence movement. After years of protests, negotiations, and increasing international pressure, Tunisia finally achieved independence from France on March 20, 1956, and Habib Bourguiba became the nation’s first president (Anon 2025).[vii]

 

EDUCATION FRAMEWORK

Colonization of Tunisia passed through the establishment of a novel educational framework; in particular, it represented a place where colonial settlers could learn the French language, thus, it represented the first pillar of cultural extension and domination. Educational systems in colonized territories were pivotal in constructing colonial hegemony and strengthening power relationships and control (Shaw 2024).[viii]

France’s colonial policies are composed of three phases: the 19th century, the 1900s until the end of the Second World War, and from 1945 to decolonization. The first stage is characterized by strategies of assimilation to transform Indigenous people into French people, with education seen as the primary tool to achieve such a goal. Cultural societies were degraded through the employment of textbooks teaching Indigenous children their habits and surroundings were inferior compared to the French lifestyle (Feldmann 2016).[ix]

At the beginning of the 20th century, adoption took over assimilation as the guiding concept of the educational framework. Now the curriculum is tailored to fit local environments. Instead of attempting to transform natives into Frenchmen, the goal was to allow them to gradually enhance their customary ways of life. The new strategies emphasized inequalities between the Indigenous masses, who were only granted basic levels of education, and European elites, who could access advanced education.  This adaptation policy stemmed from a heightened perception of European racial superiority and skepticism regarding the abilities of indigenous peoples (Feldmann 2016).[x]

Finally, with the era of independence movements, the education framework returned to being centered around assimilation. France aimed at creating replicas in the colonies’ schooling system. Although enrollment rose significantly, the system continued to be very selective.[xi]

In Tunisia, the proliferation of public schools aimed at political, social, and economic dominance by cultivating a future homogeneous and cohesive population. France strategically did not dismantle the Islamic education system to foster a dual Franco-Arab framework to cultivate a compliant elite and reduce insurgent tendencies (Ben Salah, Chambru, and Fourati 2022).

[xiii][xiv]

 

COLONIAL RELICS AND CONTEMPORARY FRAMEWORK

The legacy of French colonialism still negatively impacts educational outcomes in former colonies. From 1972 to 2012, these countries experienced significantly lower secondary school enrollment rates compared to nations without a colonial past, with gross enrollment rates at least 10 percentage points lower. Adults in these regions attained, on average, 1.6 fewer years of schooling. The effect was even more pronounced for female students, who experienced a 12-percentage point deficit in secondary enrollment, and received nearly 1.8 fewer years of education than their counterparts in other countries (Feldmann 2016). [xv]

[xvii]

 

CONCLUSION

Relics of colonial education policies still seep into post-independence societies. While such reforms may undermine a country’s cultural identity and social strategies, the colonial legacy should not be viewed through a strictly deterministic lens. As a matter of fact, as the case of Tunisia illustrates, correct educational policies, countering spatial inequalities strengthened by the French rules, change the academic outcomes of a country.

 

 

[i] Thomas Hylland Eriksen. 2001. Small Places, Large Issues an Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology. London [U.A.] Pluto Press.

[ii] 2025. Carthagemagazine.com. 2025. https://carthagemagazine.com/tunisias-rich-history-from-phoenicians-to-independence.

[iii] “Modern History of the Arab Countries by Vladimir Borisovich Lutsky 1969.” n.d. Www.marxists.org. https://www.marxists.org/subject/arab-world/lutsky/ch21.htm.

 

[iv] Idem.

[v]2025. Carthagemagazine.com. 2025. https://carthagemagazine.com/tunisias-rich-history-from-phoenicians-to-independence.

[v]

[vi] “Modern History of the Arab Countries by Vladimir Borisovich Lutsky 1969.” n.d. Www.marxists.org. https://www.marxists.org/subject/arab-world/lutsky/ch21.htm.

  1. Carthagemagazine.com. 2025. https://carthagemagazine.com/tunisias-rich-history-from-phoenicians-to-independence.

 

[viii] Shaw, Jilian.  2024. “Research Paper: The Impact of French Colonial Ideology on Educational Institutions in Algeria and Tunisia.” Laidlaw Scholars Network. September 16, 2024. https://laidlawscholars.network/documents/research-paper-the-impact-of-french-colonial-ideology-on-educational-institutions-in-algeria-and-tunisia.

[ix] Feldmann, Horst. 2016. “The Long Shadows of Spanish and French Colonial Education.” Kyklos 69 (1): 32–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12102.

[x] Feldmann, Horst. 2016. “The Long Shadows of Spanish and French Colonial Education.” Kyklos 69 (1): 32–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12102.

[xi] Feldmann, Horst. 2016. “The Long Shadows of Spanish and French Colonial Education.” Kyklos 69 (1): 32–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12102.

[xii] Ben Salah, Mhamed, Cédric Chambru, and Maleke Fourati. 2022. “The Colonial Legacy of Education: Evidence from of Tunisia.” SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4101795.

[xiii] Laidlaw Scholars Network. 2024. “Research Paper: The Impact of French Colonial Ideology on Educational Institutions in Algeria and Tunisia.” Laidlaw Scholars Network. September 16, 2024. https://laidlawscholars.network/documents/research-paper-the-impact-of-french-colonial-ideology-on-educational-institutions-in-algeria-and-tunisia.

[xiv] Ben Salah, Mhamed, Cédric Chambru, and Maleke Fourati. 2022. “The Colonial Legacy of Education: Evidence from of Tunisia.” SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4101795.

[xv] Feldmann, Horst. 2016. “The Long Shadows of Spanish and French Colonial Education.” Kyklos 69 (1): 32–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/kykl.12102.

[xvi] “Addressing the Lingering Effects of Colonial Influence on Educational Institutions.” 2024. CEPR. September 30, 2024. https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/addressing-lingering-effects-colonial-influence-educational-institutions.

[xvii] Fourati, Maleke. 2024. “Addressing the Lingering Effects of Colonial Influence on Educational Institutions.” CEPR. September 30, 2024. https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/addressing-lingering-effects-colonial-influence-educational-institutions.

 

Staff, Editorial. 2024. “Tunisia’s Rich History: From Carthage to Independence.” Carthage Magazine. September 5, 2024. https://carthagemagazine.com/tunisias-rich-history-from-phoenicians-to-independence/.

 

“Modern History of the Arab Countries by Vladimir Borisovich Lutsky 1969.” n.d. Www.marxists.org. https://www.marxists.org/subject/arab-world/lutsky/ch21.htm.

 

“Modern History of the Arab Countries by Vladimir Borisovich Lutsky 1969.” n.d. Www.marxists.org. https://www.marxists.org/subject/arab-world/lutsky/ch21.htm.

 

Staff, Editorial. 2024. “Tunisia’s Rich History: From Carthage to Independence.” Carthage Magazine. September 5, 2024. https://carthagemagazine.com/tunisias-rich-history-from-phoenicians-to-independence/.

 

“Modern History of the Arab Countries by Vladimir Borisovich Lutsky 1969.” n.d. Www.marxists.org. https://www.marxists.org/subject/arab-world/lutsky/ch21.htm.

 

Staff, Editorial. 2024. “Tunisia’s Rich History: From Carthage to Independence.” Carthage Magazine. September 5, 2024. https://carthagemagazine.com/tunisias-rich-history-from-phoenicians-to-independence/.

 

https://laidlawscholars.network/documents/research-paper-the-impact-of-french-colonial-ideology-on-educational-institutions-in-algeria-and-tunisia

 

file:///C:/Users/Utente/Downloads/1801710074.pdf

 

https://laidlawscholars.network/documents/research-paper-the-impact-of-french-colonial-ideology-on-educational-institutions-in-algeria-and-tunisia

 

file:///C:/Users/Utente/Downloads/1801710074.pdf

 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/kykl.12102

 

https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/addressing-lingering-effects-colonial-influence-educational-institutions

 

Barriers to Learning: Socioeconomic and Structural Issues in Tunisian Education

Barriers to Learning: Socioeconomic and Structural Issues in Tunisian Education

Written by Siti Hajar Auliannisa

Overview

 

Tunisia, located in North Africa, has a rich historical and cultural heritage shaped by various influences over the centuries. Its strategic Mediterranean coastline and proximity to the Sahara made it a crossroads for different civilisations. Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956 and has undergone significant political changes. Culturally, Tunisia is a blend of Arab, Berber, Ottoman, and French influences. It is known for its diverse cultural expressions, including music, literature, and cuisine, which reflect its complex history[1].

 

Historical Context of Education in Tunisia

 

Tunisia’s education system has been strongly influenced by its colonial history and the government’s efforts after independence to address its effects. After the colonial era, the government worked for about 40 years to provide universal primary education and reduce the inequalities that the colonial school system had created[2].

 

Tunisia has a free and compulsory education system for children aged 6 to 16. Children spend six years in primary school, starting at age six. After that, they go through seven years of secondary education, split into two cycles: a four-year cycle and a three-year cycle. Their secondary education lasts for seven years, divided into two cycles: three-year and four-year cycles. of educational institutions, the system struggles financially, leading to greater reliance on private funding and fewer options for students in choosing subjects and schools.

 

Socioeconomic Factors Impacting Education

 

In Tunisia, social and economic factors create serious challenges for education. Many families live in poverty and must prioritise survival over schooling. As a result, many children drop out of school to help earn money for their households[3]. Rural areas are especially affected because they often lack transportation and schools, making access to education hard. There are also big differences between regions: urban centres usually have better schools and qualified teachers, while rural areas are often overlooked. Additionally, unemployment and economic instability create financial challenges for families, such as being unable to pay for school supplies or transportation[4].

 

Access to Quality Education

 

According to the Ministry of Education, approximately 65,000 children dropped out of school in 2023, which represents a significant decrease from the 109,000 children who dropped out in 2022. With support from UNICEF, the government was able to double its annual one-time back-to-school allowance for over 510,000 children. This additional support is expected to have made a significant impact[5].

 

The recently released 2023 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which was launched in February 2024, reveals concerning statistics about preschool education in Tunisia. Only 47.2% of children aged 3 to 4 years have access to preschool education programs, while a more promising figure of 89% of 5-year-olds are enrolled. However, disparities become evident when examining the data more closely. In rural areas, the access rate plummets to a mere 37.4%, and among the poorest segments of the population, it drops further to just 17.4%. This stark contrast highlights that preschool education has become a privilege reserved for a select few, particularly in rural settings and among low-income families. The lack of access to early childhood education represents a significant lost opportunity for the development of human capital in Tunisia, especially given that early education and developmental programs are known to be crucial in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty[6].

 

Children aged 6 to 18 from low-income households are also significantly more likely to drop out of school. Only 53% of children from the poorest families complete lower secondary school, compared to 95% from wealthier households. Similarly, only 25% of students from poor families finish high school, compared to 80% from wealthier families. These disparities emphasise the systemic inequities in Tunisia’s education system[7].

 

Challenges in Rural Education

 

Children living in rural areas face significant risks of dropping out of school. These risks arise from factors such as the long distances between homes and schools and the economic disadvantages many families face. The combination of poor infrastructure and financial strain disproportionately impacts rural students, limiting their educational opportunities. Rural schools in Tunisia often lack basic infrastructure, such as adequate classrooms, sanitation facilities, and learning materials. This shortage not only affects the quality of education but also discourages attendance. Teachers assigned to rural areas may lack proper training or resources, further exacerbating the gap between rural and urban education systems. In some rural communities, traditional norms and values may deprioritize formal education, particularly for girls[8].

 

Early marriages and expectations for children to contribute to household or agricultural work detract from their ability to attend and succeed in school. The geographical isolation of rural areas adds another layer of difficulty. Many children have to travel long distances on foot or rely on unreliable transportation systems, which can be unsafe or impractical. During adverse weather conditions, this isolation often leads to extended periods of absenteeism. Families in rural areas are more likely to face financial hardships, compelling children to work instead of attending school. Seasonal labour in agriculture often takes precedence, disrupting the academic calendar and leading to higher dropout rates.

 

Inclusion of Marginalized Groups

 

The concept of inclusion emphasises the importance of accepting differences and fostering a sense of belonging for all students within an educational context. In 2003, the Tunisian government developed a strategy for the full inclusion of children with special needs in regular schools with assistance from accredited associations. Tunisia has also signed several international conventions for the protection of the rights of refugees, women, children, and people with disabilities and is part of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Act No. 2002-80 stipulates that education is a fundamental right guaranteed to all without discrimination. However, the implementation of inclusive education remains limited despite these provisions. Challenges stem from government policies, curriculum management, and a lack of community awareness regarding the importance of inclusive schools[9].

 

Technological Integration in Education

 

In Tunisia, training facilities and programs for teachers and staff remain inadequate. The Virtual University of Tunisia (VUT), established in 2002, offers online training programs for teachers in collaboration with the International Business Machine (IBM) corporation. However, its objective to offer 20% of national courses online was not achieved due to the absence of a clear strategy to encourage faculty members to adopt distance learning. Many teachers are hesitant to provide online courses, and the number of available online courses remains limited[10]. This reluctance underscores the broader need for strategic engagement and capacity-building efforts to integrate technology into education effectively.

 

 

Higher Education System

 

Tunisian higher education faces significant challenges that hinder its alignment with societal and economic needs. A major issue is the persistent gap between theoretical reforms and practical implementation. Many educators lack the skills needed to adopt innovative teaching methods, compounded by limited training opportunities. The inclusion of less-qualified personnel further exacerbates this issue. Additionally, reliance on outdated teaching methods undermines efforts to modernise the education system.[11]

 

The higher education system is also misaligned with labour market demands. Historically orientated towards feeding the public sector, the system struggles to equip graduates with skills for alternative job markets, resulting in high unemployment among degree holders. The lack of emphasis on creativity and entrepreneurship leaves many graduates unprepared to adapt to economic changes. Policymakers’ failure to create relevant academic programs exacerbates these challenges, limiting the system’s ability to drive national progress.

 

Another indicator of efficiency in higher education is the student-to-teacher ratio. Tunisia’s ratio improved slightly over the last decade, settling at under 19 students per teacher in 2007 and 2008. However, this ratio remains higher than those of other regions, indicating room for improvement in the quality of the learning environment[12].

 

Financing Education

 

Within this context, this article focuses on Tunisia. Like other developing countries, Tunisia has allocated increasing levels of resources to education, particularly higher education, over the past few decades, mainly through public funding. In 2005–2008, public expenditure on education amounted to around 7.4% of GDP, with 2% allocated to higher education. In the last few years, however, budgetary constraints have increased and are likely to continue shortly.[13]

 

In Tunisia, access to all levels of education is free of charge, or nearly so; therefore, in a perfect environment, there would be no room for equity concerns since the success of all students would depend only on their effort and motivation. But the reality is far from this ideal, and differences in families’ situations, particularly those concerning education and incomes, substantially affect student results.

 

In Tunisia around 2002, the share of public spending on education that was dedicated to higher education was similar to that of the OECD countries, Brazil, and higher than that of the low-middle-income countries. This share grew and stabilised at about 27% in recent years. Public spending on both higher and pre-university levels increased as a proportion of GDP. Moreover, because of Tunisia’s demographic transition, enrolment in primary schools is dropping and that in universities is rising rapidly, so this evolution cannot be seen as conflicting with equity. No data are available on the distribution of students among socio-economic groups but given that Tunisian children have full access to primary and secondary school and that the state strongly supports virtually free higher education, we can draw some reasonable conclusions regarding equity.

 

Conclusion

 

Tunisia’s education system faces challenges like poverty, rural-urban inequalities, and outdated teaching methods, making it hard for all children to access quality education. While education is free and compulsory, children in rural areas often lack resources, and low-income families struggle to keep their children in school. Additionally, the system has gaps in early education, inclusion for children with special needs, and alignment with job market demands. Despite some government efforts, such as financial support for low-income students, more is needed to improve teacher training, resources, and equal access to education for all.

 

 

 

 

[1] Clarke, John Innes, L. Carl Brown, Nevill Barbour, Mohamed Talbi, and Emma Murphy. “Tunisia | History, Map, Flag, Population, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, November 24, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/place/Tunisia.

Salah, Mhamed Ben, Cédric Chambru, and Maleke Fourati. “The Colonial Legacy of Education: Evidence from Tunisia.” SSRN Electronic Journal, January 1, 2022. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4101795.

[3] UNICEF. “Tunisia Country Office Annual Report 2023.” UNICEF, 2023. https://www.unicef.org/media/152616/file/Tunisia-2023-COAR.pdf.

[4] UNICEF. “UNICEF in Tunisia: Keeping Tunisia’s Most Vulnerable Children on the Path to Education.” UNICEF, September 1, 2022. https://www.unicef.org/mena/stories/unicef-tunisia-keeping-tunisias-most-vulnerable-children-path-education.

[5] UNICEF. “Tunisia Annual Report 2023.” UNICEF, 2023. https://www.unicef.org/reports/country-regional-divisional-annual-reports-2023/Tunisia.

[6] Wilson Center. “Poverty, Inequality and Corruption: Explaining Variation in Educational Quality in Tunisia,” n.d. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/poverty-inequality-and-corruption-explaining-variation-educational-quality-tunisia#:~:text=Poorer%20households%20and%20those%20in,of%20fewer%20than%2040%20students.&text=Source:%20LGPI.,The%20school%20has%20parent’s%20association.

[7] UNICEF. “Tunisia Country Report on Out-of-School Children: Summary.” UNICEF, December 2022. https://www.unicef.org/mena/media/6661/file/Tunisia%20Country%20Report%20on%20OOSC%20Summary_EN.pdf.pdf.

[8] Akkari, Abdeljalil. “Current Issues of Democracy and Education in Tunisia as Interpreted through Dewey’s Approach.” In Dewey, Education, and the Mediterranean, pp. 147-161. Brill, 2022.

[9] Ayadi, Mouna. “Inclusive Education in Tunisia: Expectations versus Reality.” أطراس 5, no. 01 (January 15, 2024): 17–29. https://doi.org/10.70091/atras/vol5no1.2.

[10] Hamlaoui, Sihem. “Teachers’ resistance to educational change and innovations in the Middle East and North Africa: A case study of Tunisian universities.” Re-Configurations (2021): 171.

[11] Khalifa, Taher Ben. “A Critical Perspective to Higher Education in the 21st Century Tunisia: The Problems of the Present and the Challenges of the Future.” Educational Studies 1, no. 1 (2024): 1-13.

[12] Zaghdoudi, Ines. “The challenges and the necessary reforms for education in Tunisia.” Houloul, September 24, 2021. https://houloul.org/en/2021/07/22/will-be-available-soon-9/.

[13] Abdessalem, Tahar. “Scope, relevance and challenges of financing higher education: The case of Tunisia.” Prospects 41 (2011): 135-155.

 

 

Navigating Educational Challenges in Tunisia: A Roadmap for Reform

Written by Veronica Grazzi

 

Tunisia gained independence from French colonial rule in 1956, marking the beginning of its modern era. Since then, the country has undergone significant social, economic, and political transformations. The pursuit of quality education has long been intertwined with the nation’s journey toward modernization and development. One of the key priorities of the Tunisian government has been the advancement of education to foster national development and social progress.

 

The education system in Tunisia is based on the principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and quality. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, with efforts made to ensure equal access for both genders. Over the years, Tunisia has made notable strides in expanding educational opportunities, achieving nearly universal enrollment rates for primary education.

 

However, in 2021, a region-wide poll found that 77% of respondents were dissatisfied with education; Tunisia’s education system faces several challenges. These include disparities in educational quality between urban and rural areas, high dropout rates at the secondary and tertiary levels, inadequate infrastructure and resources, as well as a need for curriculum reform to align with the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.

 

Furthermore, Tunisia’s education sector has been impacted by broader socio-economic and political factors. The country has experienced periods of political instability and social unrest, which have at times disrupted educational activities and hindered progress in education reform initiatives.

 

However, Tunisia also possesses significant potential for overcoming these challenges. The country boasts a young and dynamic population, with a growing emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Initiatives aimed at modernizing the education system, enhancing teacher training, and promoting digital literacy are underway, reflecting Tunisia’s commitment to addressing its educational challenges and unlocking opportunities for its youth.

 

The geographical concentration of educational institutions in Greater Tunis and along the Tunisian coast: unequal access to education

One of the foremost challenges confronting Tunisia’s education system is the unequal access to educational opportunities, particularly among marginalized communities and rural areas. According to a report by UNICEF, a significant number of children in Tunisia remain out of school, with disparities in enrollment rates prevalent across different regions of the country. While urban centers like Tunis boast relatively higher enrollment rates, rural areas such as Kairouan face several challenges in ensuring equitable access to education. The lack of adequate infrastructure, including schools and transportation facilities exacerbates the problem, contributing to a widening educational gap between urban and rural populations.

The concentration of educational institutions in Greater Tunis and along the Tunisian coast poses a significant obstacle to the advancement and improvement of Tunisia’s education system. This unequal distribution of schools and universities impedes efforts to modernize education and enhance its quality, perpetuating inequalities by withholding necessary resources from other regions. Moreover, it imposes additional financial burdens on students for transportation and accommodation. To alleviate these challenges, one approach could involve establishing educational facilities within or near students’ localities to reduce costs and foster local development. This strategy could also help mitigate migration to major cities. For instance, while medical schools in Monastir and Sousse are geographically proximate, regions in central, northwestern, and southern Tunisia lack similar institutions.

Furthermore, socio-economic factors intersect with geographical disparities, further exacerbating the inequities in access to education. Children from low-income families often encounter barriers such as prohibitive school fees, inadequate resources for learning

 

materials, and the necessity to contribute to household income, thereby impeding their ability to pursue education. This disparity not only perpetuates social stratification but also undermines Tunisia’s efforts towards achieving inclusive and sustainable development.

 

Infrastructure deficiencies in numerous educational institutions, particularly in rural areas:

Additionally, many educational establishments, particularly those situated in rural regions, face infrastructure shortcomings. These schools need significant assistance to improve their infrastructure, especially in terms of health, sports, and cultural amenities. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDS) for example is advocating for government action to tackle educational inequalities, specifically focusing on inadequate school infrastructure in the west-central regions of Tunisia.

In a recent report titled “Consequences of Lack of Environmental Justice and Impact of Climate Change on Other Rights,” issued by FTDS’s Environmental and Climate Justice Unit on April 18, concerns were raised about the deficiencies in essential amenities like clean water and sanitation facilities in many schools in these areas. The report underscores the severe implications of these shortcomings on students’ health, overall well-being, and academic performance.

Significant deficiency in educational resources: Quality of Education

Beyond the issue of access, the quality of education in Tunisia poses a significant challenge, characterized by shortcomings in curriculum, teaching methodologies, and learning outcomes. The World Bank highlights the need for comprehensive educational reforms to address the underlying deficiencies that hinder the delivery of quality education. While Tunisia has made considerable progress in expanding educational opportunities, there remains a pressing need to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of its education system in preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century economy.

A key aspect of improving the quality of education lies in revamping the curriculum to align with the evolving needs of society and the job market. Arab Barometer emphasizes the importance of integrating critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy into the curriculum to equip students with the competencies required for success in a knowledge-driven economy. Furthermore, investing in teacher training and professional development is essential to empower educators with the pedagogical skills and tools necessary to engage students effectively and foster a culture of lifelong learning. Another urgent concern is the insufficient distribution of educational resources, illustrated by low enrollment rates in regions such as Kairouan. Concerned parents have expressed dissatisfaction through protests due to the dearth of educational infrastructure, particularly evident in Kairouan where there is a severe shortage of teachers, resulting in numerous unfilled positions.

 

In public schools, class sizes often swell to between 30 and 40 students, significantly detracting from the effectiveness and caliber of instruction. This situation not only undermines the implementation of essential pedagogical methods tailored for skills-based teaching but also limits opportunities for hands-on learning experiences, as previously highlighted.

Achieving high-quality education necessitates smaller class sizes and the provision of adequate educational resources and technology. Consequently, students attending private schools enjoy greater prospects for skill development compared to their counterparts in public schools. Consequently, while education remains free, the focus on skill development suffers, eroding the state’s capacity in critical sectors. This imbalance pushes many to seek enrollment in private institutions in pursuit of a “quality” education.

 

Governance and Policy Reform

The governance and management of the education sector in Tunisia present another critical challenge that calls for attention. The Campaign for Education underscores the need for robust monitoring and assessment mechanisms to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and inform evidence-based decision-making. Transparent and accountable governance structures are essential for ensuring the efficient allocation of resources, fostering innovation, and promoting stakeholder engagement in the education sector.

Moreover, policy coherence and coordination across different government agencies are imperative to address systemic issues and implement holistic solutions. The Tunisian Educational Reform report emphasizes the importance of adopting a multi-dimensional approach that encompasses not only quantitative expansion but also qualitative improvement in education. By fostering partnerships with civil society organizations, international donors, and other stakeholders, Tunisia can leverage collective expertise and resources to drive sustainable change in its education system.

 

The need of a joint action

In conclusion, navigating the educational challenges in Tunisia requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government authorities, educators, civil society organizations, and the international community. By prioritizing equitable access, enhancing the quality of education, and fostering effective governance and policy reform, Tunisia should guarantee that every child has the opportunity to fully enjoy the universal right to education.

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Koumbou Boly Barry, well highlighted the way forward to the key challenges in Tunisia in a statement at the end of a fact-finding visit to the country: “Tunisia’s democratic transition requires the development of education law based on the fundamental values of its society, with proper funding.”

She also emphasized that sufficient and decentralized financial resources were necessary to achieve the right to education. She also suggested the establishment of forums to deliberate on the most effective implementation of this right, aiming to foster social cohesion nationwide.

She further suggested that these dialogue platforms should be present across all levels of society. Stakeholders were urged to participate in collaborative management and genuine cooperation to cultivate trust between decision-makers and the educational community.

Featured image by Tunisia, Marcel Crozet 2020 via Flickr

 

References

· Middle East Institute. “Education in Tunisia: Current Challenges and Opportunities.” Last modified March 16, 2023. https://www.mei.edu/events/education-tunisia-current-challenges-and-opportunities.

· UNICEF. Tunisia Country Report on Out-of-School Children: Summary. New York: UNICEF, 2019. https://www.unicef.org/mena/media/6661/file/Tunisia%20Country%20Report%20on%20OOSC%20Summary_EN.pdf%20.pdf.

· UNICEF. “Tunisia: Keeping Tunisia’s Most Vulnerable Children on the Path to Education.” Last modified December 12, 2020. https://www.unicef.org/mena/stories/unicef-tunisia-keeping-tunisias-most-vulnerable-children-path-education.

· UNHCR. “Education – UNHCR Tunisia.” Accessed September 5, 2024. https://www.unhcr.org.

· AEHN. “The Colonial Legacy of Education: Evidence from Tunisia.” African Economic History Network, 2022. https://www.aehnetwork.org.

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· World Bank. “Shortcomings in Tunisian Education: What Went Wrong?” World Bank Blogs, last modified June 14, 2018. https://blogs.worldbank.org/arabvoices/shortcomings-tunisian-education.

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Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia

Colonial Relics in Tunisian Education

Broken Chalk recommends that the government of Tunisia to address the high rate of school dropout, the high rates of repetition, disparities in access to, retention in, and the quality of schools. In the last cycle Tunisia received 248 recommendations, accepted 189 of those and 6% focused on quality education (SDG 4).

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41st_Session_UN-UPR_FactSheet_Tunisia

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Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council: Tunisia

Broken Chalk is a non-profit organisation that focuses on developing each country’s educational system to improve the level of human rights on the global level. Therefore, this report will focus on education. By drafting this report, Broken Chalk intends to assist with Tunisia’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR). First, the report will analyse the most important issues that Tunisia faces regarding the Right to Education. Then, it will shed light on some issues that should be solved through the Tunisian Ministry of Education. And finally, Broken Chalk will provide a few recommendations to Tunisia to further ameliorate in the field of education.

By Faical Al Azib

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41st_Session_UN-UPR_Country_Review_Tunisia

Cover image by Wallpaper Flare.