Private schools mitigating in Mauritania 

Private schools in Mauritania are facing controversy due to fears of education inequality, according to Al Jazeera on 5th May. However, private schools are expressing that education quality is in danger because of this occurring.

The Head of the School Parents Association and civil engineer, Rais believes that reducing private schools will set a strong standard of education nationally. He also thinks that this will reduce inequality. Additionally, Rais has stated the positives of promoting public schools, in his quote “It will bring back a generation like the first generation, where people were united and at peace with one another.”

Education is the current dilemma in Mauritania. In line with UNESCO, 30% of children around school age do not attend school or receive education. This leads to children lacking in core literacy knowledge and basic skills. The education sector is depriving, as there is a lack of funding and infrastructure.

Many Mauritanians want change in the system by 2030.  This is seen in 2022, where 4.5 million people signed a petition to promote free education. Now education is mandatory for children aged six and above. Because of this change, it allows free basic education until middle school .

It is stated by the World Bank that 58% of the population do not have sufficient income to spend on healthcare and education services. Although, the new policies added by the government will hopefully transform the future of many individuals in Mauritania. 

On the other hand, private schools have specific worries of their own. They have fears of employment losses and the value of education. The government has also not announced the future of the teachers losing their jobs in private schools. Recently around Mauritania, primary schools are closing. Reportedly, the schools have been losing $5,000 monthly. 

A teacher at a private school, named Meyey Ould Abdel-Wedoud has declared his fears. Meyey reported “The changes are too rushed and too sudden.” By law his school will stop admitting students by 2027.

Overall, there is mixed feedback about the current regulations of private schools. Some are excited for the change and accessibility of better education, however many lives are negatively affected from this. Since the opening of private schools in 1981, there has been an increase in attendance in education. According to the World Bank, it has risen from 12,391 to 71,104.

Al Jazeera, World Bank.