Tunisia’s Education & Sports Reforms Stalled: Parliament Calls for Urgent Action
Tunis, Tunisia – January 9, 2026 – A critical juncture has been reached in Tunisia’s efforts to revitalize its education and sports sectors. Deputy Kamel Farrah, head of the Committee on Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, Youth and Sports, delivered a stark assessment on Jawhara FM yesterday, revealing a parliamentary standstill fueled by the delayed implementation of a constitutionally mandated Higher Education Council. This breaking news impacts the future of Tunisian youth and the nation’s ability to compete on a global stage.
Education Reform Hampered by Institutional Blockage
Since March 2023, the current parliamentary majority has prioritized education reform, aiming to restore public schools as engines of social mobility. But according to Farrah, progress is being systematically blocked. The core issue? The absence of the Higher Education Council, outlined in Article 135 of the Tunisian Constitution. This council is designed to rigorously review all education-related legislation, ensuring quality and alignment with national goals. However, its establishment rests with the President of the Republic, and its absence has created a legislative bottleneck.
“For each proposal, we are told that we have to wait for the Higher Council of Education. And so we wait,” Farrah lamented, highlighting the frustration within Parliament. Despite developing nine legislative proposals – covering school time organization, governance, funding, and even integrating arts into the curriculum – implementation remains stalled. A proposed Education Reform Fund, intended to supplement the existing 8.700 billion dinar education budget, is also awaiting approval.
Beyond the Classroom: A Holistic Approach to Education
The parliamentary proposals aren’t limited to traditional academic concerns. They also address the private education sector, proposing revised taxation and regulatory frameworks. This reflects a growing recognition that a thriving education system requires a diverse landscape of learning opportunities. Furthermore, the inclusion of media education and mental health support within schools demonstrates a commitment to developing well-rounded, resilient students. This holistic approach is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world, where critical thinking and emotional intelligence are as important as core academic skills.
Sports Sector in Crisis: Infrastructure Decay and Lost Glory
The news isn’t any brighter for Tunisian sports. Farrah painted a grim picture of a sector plagued by outdated laws (still operating under a 1995 associations law) and, crucially, crumbling infrastructure. He echoed the disappointment of Tunisian champions, who feel marginalized despite their achievements. “There was a time when countries came to draw inspiration from the Tunisian experience. Today, this lead has evaporated,” he stated, referencing the nation’s past successes in regional competitions.
The focus, Farrah argues, should shift from building new facilities to rehabilitating existing ones. He also advocates for opening the sports sector to private investment, moving away from an amateur model towards true professionalism. This is a common challenge for developing nations – balancing public funding with private sector innovation to create sustainable sporting ecosystems. The call to prioritize individual sports, historically a source of Tunisian pride, is a pragmatic response to budgetary constraints and the high costs associated with team sports infrastructure.
Bridging the Gap Between Sport and Education
A particularly pressing issue is the lack of a framework to support student-athletes. Currently, excelling in both academics and sports is exceptionally difficult in Tunisia due to inflexible school schedules. Farrah rightly points out that a comprehensive education reform must integrate the sporting dimension, recognizing the vital role schools play in nurturing future champions. This isn’t just about athletic success; it’s about instilling discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence – qualities that benefit students in all aspects of life.
The situation demands immediate attention. The stagnation of these vital reforms isn’t merely a political issue; it’s a threat to Tunisia’s future. The call for political will, strategic vision, and a pragmatic approach to funding and infrastructure is a rallying cry for all stakeholders – from the President of the Republic to civil society organizations – to prioritize the development of Tunisian youth. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Tunisia’s education and sports sectors. We’ll be following the progress of the Higher Education Council and the implementation of these crucial reforms, providing you with the latest updates and expert insights.
