The Minister of State for National Education, Bilingualism, and Civic Promotion, Dr. Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo, has signed a circular making bilingualism effective in all schools in Chad starting next academic year.
According to his ministry, the teaching of modern standard Arabic will become compulsory from the next academic year and will be taught with the same number of hours and rate as French.
This measure aims to align educational practices with the official status of the two languages, which are recognised as equal by the Chadian constitution.
The circular is part of the education system reform policy undertaken by the authorities, who have made this sector a national priority. The Directorate General of Education, Learning, and Civic Promotion is responsible for ensuring the implementation of this decision throughout the country.
However, significant challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified teachers of classical Arabic, an insufficient supply of bilingual textbooks, and inadequate school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
The upcoming school year will be a crucial test for the effective implementation of this reform.
CA/te/Sf/fss/as/APA