Education Reform in Egypt: A Contentious Curriculum Overhaul

Egypt's high school curriculum overhaul aims to ease financial burdens on families but faces criticism for lacking adequate funding and exacerbating teacher shortages. The reform reduces the number of subjects counting towards final exams, impacting both students' academic experiences and teachers' income, amid a challenging economic backdrop.

In a dramatic shift, Egypt's high school curriculum has been overhauled, creating chaos for both educators and students. The reform, part of an effort to curb public debt while maintaining essential services under an IMF mandate, reduces subjects that contribute to final exam scores.

The changes have drawn criticism, particularly from educators who see it as a government cost-cutting tactic amidst already low education spending. Many teachers have turned to alternative income sources, highlighting the financial strain on public education and the economic pressure on Egypt's middle class.

The issue underscores broader challenges in Egypt's education system, grappling with insufficient funding, teacher shortages, and the struggle to meet constitutional spending requirements. Despite government assurances, critics argue the measures fall short of effectively addressing these systemic problems.

(With inputs from agencies.)