Tunis: “Social dialogue is a deep-rooted tradition in Tunisia; there can be no education reform without dialogue,” said Education Minister Salwa Abassi on the sidelines of the Career Forum in Hammamet on Wednesday.

It is important to keep Tunisia away from any form of conflict, Abassi was quoted as saying in a ministry statement.

“The unjustified crisis regarding the amendment of Article 20 of the statutes of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) is an internal matter that concerns only the union,” she stressed.

“The ministry does not engage in political manoeuvres, but rather has the role of formulating an education policy and engaging in dialogue with social actors.”

The minister said that her ministry has adopted a new strategy for social negotiations, noting that two working sessions have been organised with the teachers’ unions, with positive results.

Abassi also noted that the Career Forum is an opportunity to establish a comprehensive social approach that strengthens the link between the school
and the professional environment.

“This approach is part of a strategy that promotes interaction between educational and vocational staff to help students choose their career paths,” she noted.

The Career Forum was attended by students (800), who visited various stands and attended lectures and testimonials organised for the occasion.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse