NNA - Caretaker Minister of Education, Dr. Abbas Al-Halabi, on Thursday met with a delegation representing the Federation of Private Educational Institutions headed by the Federation's coordinator, Father Youssef Nasr.

Al-Halabi briefed the delegation on the preparations underway for the next academic year, and the challenges that public and private schools might face in terms of providing the necessary funds to enable educational institutions to carry out their educational mission.

“Many private schools have spiraled out of control increasing tuition fees, yet I am keen on the continuity of educational institutions, taking into account the financial situation of parents,” Al-Halabi said. 

He asked the federation, with all its institutions, to take into account that Law 515 was still effective and being implemented, explaining that premiums are still in Lebanese pounds based on this law.

"My goal is to preserve private sector education, which embraces approximately two-thirds of the number of students in Lebanon. The state does not have the capacity to receive all those students at the present time, and the laws in force prevent the Ministry of Education from hiring and contracting with new teachers,” Al-Halabi added, wishing of his visiting delegation to help ensure the continuity of the educational sector rather than strictly focus on its profitability. 

===============R.H.