A survey entitled "Social spending on education: Between the illusion of free education and financial hardship for families," conducted by the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), has revealed a 48% increase in back to school costs from 2021 to 2023. The survey, which focused on the city of Monastir, revealed that the back-to-school cost went up by 48% between 2021 and 2023, mainly due to the rising cost of school supplies, FTDES member Mounir Hassine said during a press conference on Wednesday. Hassine pointed out that the price of school notebooks has increased by 75%, while the cost of school supplies has risen by 39%. According to the survey, 67% of families opt for private tutoring to provide students with additional knowledge. It was found that hourly rates for private tutoring range from 15 to 20 dinars, with sessions costing between 30 and 40 dinars per student. The monthly cost of tutoring in all governorates exceeds 16,000 dinars, the same source added. It was also claimed that the basic skills system outlined in the 2002 Orientation Law does not emphasise knowledge, which has led students to seek academic support through private tutoring. It was added that 93% of school dropouts are children from impoverished families.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse