Tunisia: Education Ministry Advances Inclusive Reading Program

Tunisia’s Ministry of Education is expanding access to literacy for visually impaired students by introducing Braille versions of its “family reading kits.” The initiative aims to transition from simply integrating students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms to providing them with the specific tools needed to thrive alongside their peers, according to a report from Archynewsy.com.

The “mallette de lecture familiale,” or family reading kit, is designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and home learning. By making these kits available in Braille, the Ministry of Education is addressing a key barrier to literacy for visually impaired learners: the lack of tactile materials for independent reading and parental involvement.

This move represents a strategic shift towards inclusion, where the education system adapts to the needs of the student, rather than requiring the student to adapt to a rigid system. For years, the focus has been on “integration”—placing students with special needs in mainstream schools—but the current strategy prioritizes providing the necessary support for these students to succeed.

Modernizing School Infrastructure and Expanding Access

The initiative is part of broader efforts to boost the inclusion of students with disabilities in Tunisian schools. Minister of Education, Nourredine Ennouri, stated during a joint conference with the Minister of Social Affairs on December 3, 2025, that the ministry is committed to providing the necessary conditions for full and effective inclusion within the national education system. This commitment was made during the observance of the National and World Day of Persons with Disabilities.

All new school construction projects are now mandated to comply with architectural standards ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities. Existing school buildings are also undergoing renovations to adapt to the specific needs of these learners. Specialized institutions for visually impaired students have seen improvements, including the introduction of new academic tracks such as Information Technology and Economics, with plans to extend these reforms to other study programs.

Supporting Families and Strengthening Support Systems

The Ministry of Education is also seeking support from the Ministry of Social Affairs to provide professional assistants for students with disabilities. The costs for these assistants will be covered by the State for low-income families and vulnerable cases, easing the financial burden on households and educational institutions.

Minister Ennouri also urged his counterpart, Issam Lahmar, Minister of Social Affairs, to activate and strengthen listening and support cells within schools, noting that their current effectiveness is below expectations. This highlights a focus on providing comprehensive support systems for students with disabilities.

World Bank Support for Early Education

These efforts align with broader initiatives to transform early education in Tunisia. The Strengthening Foundations for Learning Project (PREFAT), implemented by the Ministry of Education and supported by the World Bank, has improved learning conditions in over 2,500 primary schools through infrastructure upgrades and the provision of modern equipment. Launched in 2018, PREFAT has also expanded access to public preschool education in 31 localities across 12 lagging regions.

For the 2024-2025 school year, 9,429 children were enrolled in public preschools across PREFAT-targeted districts, including 4,644 girls and 4,785 boys. The program has built around 100 new preschool classrooms in underserved regions and invested in child-friendly infrastructure, including learning materials and play equipment.

Ameni Hasni, a teacher in Henchir Haj Saad, Kasserine, stated, “Preschool education now thrives in a well-equipped, colorful classroom that fosters a psychological state conducive to effective learning. Such environments engage children and support their social and emotional development, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.”

The Ministry of Education in Tunisia is available online at education.gov.tn, providing information on education policies, national exams, and resources for students and educators.