Carthage: President of the Republic Kais Saied presided over a ceremony at Carthage Palace on Thursday, marking Knowledge Day. In his address, he emphasized that national reform and reconstruction are rooted in the people's will. He highlighted the importance of education and knowledge as key elements in the battle for national liberation, asserting, "Our human capital is inexhaustible, and under such choices, it cannot suffer from depletion, alienation, or estrangement."
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the President criticized the acceptance of foreign dictates in Tunisia, particularly since the late 1980s, which led to adverse situations. He called for urgent efforts to open new horizons and find fair solutions for those affected by these policies. The President stressed the need for patriotism, devotion, integrity, and deep faith in national responsibility as primary criteria in recruitment and selection processes.
President Saied extended congratulations to outstanding achievers and their families, recognizing the educational community's efforts. He urged those who did not succeed to reflect on their challenges, noting that unequal opportunities due to poverty and deprivation hinder academic success. He emphasized that education is compulsory up to age 16 and that the State must ensure quality education at all levels, addressing issues such as school dropout rates and resource distribution.
He reiterated the need for a Higher Council for Education, as provided in the Constitution, to address educational reform. The President pointed out historical influences on Tunisia's educational system, including calls to replace Arabic with vernacular languages and the Latin alphabet. He advocated for new ideas and concepts formulated by Tunisians, rather than imported ones.
President Saied concluded that every day should be a day of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of eradicating illiteracy. He praised the resilience of the Tunisian people in the face of those he described as traitors and guardians of colonialism, asserting a vision of a resilient and progressive Tunisia.
The Knowledge Day ceremony celebrated achievements across various fields of learning, with the President awarding the National Order of Merit to university academics for their contributions to science and knowledge. The event also honored top achievers in education and scientific research, and awarded special prizes to the families of victims of an accident in Mezouna, Sidi Bouzid governorate, during the baccalaureate exams.