In the Republic of Tunisia primary education in Tunisia for students between 6 and 11 years of age increased from 88 per cent in 1991 to 98 per cent in 2009 and remained at this percentage in 2014. This progress has been achieved through strong government efforts, which has made primary education free and compulsory for all. In accordance with Act No. 91-65 passed in 1991, students can attend school for free and is compulsory for all students between 6 and 16 years of age. The Ministry of Education (MOE) administers education for all children while the Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for the provision of health services through public schools. The Ministry of Social Affairs, moreover, provides additional services to children living in poverty, in risk of malnutrition, or those without a family.
Under Tunisia’s compulsory free education system, students attend school between the ages of 6 and 16 years old; and, through an integrated approach to social security, eligible students can also receive free school supplies and meals at school canteens. In 2005, the government spent 7.3 per cent of GDP on education. Parents who do not register their children in compulsory education, or pull students out of school before the age of 15 are liable to a fine between USD12 and USD120. If parents fail to comply, a second fine of USD240 is issued. Children requiring special assistance are provided with targeted educational resources within the framework of priority education areas, resource centres and extra lessons when required. Children with disabilities are integrated into elementary classrooms, with the exception of those who are visually or hearing impaired, who may be integrated into specialized education facilities.
Since it began implementing Act No 91-65 in 1991, the Government of the Tunisian Republic has expanded the network of primary schools in rural areas and invested in infrastructure to increase access to education and related public services for children. The Republic of Tunisia has also adjusted the curriculum, teaching methods and school day. A “map of priority education areas” tracks the performance of schools and guides the allocation of resources as identified in order to ensure a high standard of quality education throughout the system. Tunisia’s universal education system represents an important investment in the Country's next generation and creates part of its social protection floor, upholding the right to free education.
Further Reading:
Mohamed Chemingui and Sánchez Marco V (2011). Country Study: Assessing Development Strategies to Achieve the MDGs in the Republic of Tunisia. United Nations Department for Social and Economic Affairs, October. Accessed from http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/capacity/output_studies/roa87_study_tun.pdf on December 2016.
The World Bank Group (1999). Education in the Middle East and North Africa: A Strategy Towards Learning for Development. Human Development Sector, Middle East & North Africa Region (Report Number 21589). Accessed from http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/486941468757187513/Education-in-the-Middle-East-and-North-Africa-a-strategy-towards-learning-for-development on December 2016.
United Nations Development Programme (2004). Tunisia: National Report on Millennium Development Goals. Accessed from http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/MDG/english/MDG%20Country%20Reports/Tunisia/Tunisia%202.pdf on 27 November 2013.