The school crisis is intensifying in Senegal. More than 150 hours of the hourly schedule have already been lost due to repetitive strikes by teachers, despite ongoing negotiations between the government and the unions. A worrying situation which arouses great concern among parents of students.
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Faced with this persistent paralysis of the educational system, the president of the National Union of Parents’ and Students’ Associations of Senegal (UNAPAS), Abdoulaye Fané, launched an urgent appeal to all stakeholders in the sector to find a quick solution and save the year school.
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“This strike is truly becoming very worrying,” he declared, stressing that the G7 is already on its sixth action plan in a few months. However, he notes recent progress, notably the holding of technical meetings at the Ministry of the Civil Service. “We think that on Monday the 13th, the protocol sent to the unions could be put on the table for possible signature,” he added.
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Abdoulaye Fané nevertheless wants to be optimistic. He cites the participation of all stakeholders during the latest consultations, including the ministries concerned, as an encouraging sign. “We are hopeful that an agreement will be found,” he says.
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In this perspective, the president of UNAPAS calls on the unions to show restraint. “We ask the unionists to suspend the strike slogan until the negotiations are successful,” he pleads.
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In conclusion, he insists on the need to protect students, the first victims of this crisis. “They must not suffer the consequences of a conflict for which they are not responsible. It is imperative to make decisions to save the school year,” he insisted.
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While discussions continue, the hope of a rapid outcome remains dependent on the will of the different parties to reach a lasting compromise.
