Homework assistance presented by Claude Meisch 'does not go far enough'

Following a meeting of the Parliamentary Education Committee, both the CSV and the LSAP criticised that the concept presented by the Minister from the Democratic Party (DP) does not go far enough.

The project was presented for the first time to the Chamber of Deputies and the coalition partner on Thursday – despite the fact that the Minister announced it over a month ago on RTL Radio and presented it to the public during a press briefing a fortnight ago.

The LSAP and the Green Party (Déi Gréng) both criticise the approach chosen by Meisch, with the LSAP adding that the current concept departs from what the governing parties agreed upon. Speaking to our colleagues from RTL Radio, LSAP Party President Francine Closener stated that she was "a bit surprised" by the Ministry's statement on Thursday that the idea recorded in the coalition agreement would not be implemented "one-to-one".

The coalition agreement stipulates that primary schools should draft a concept for homework assistance. The programme should be provided by "qualified personnel" and include the option for "voluntary overtime". The homework assistance presented by Claude Meisch does not go far enough in the eyes of the LSAP.

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Closener explained that for her party, the emphasis should be on "assistance". However, the concept presented by the Minister merely provides for supervision, as the staff of the drop-in centres (maisons-relais) is just meant to ensure that children are doing their homework, without actually offering any help. "However, this is actually what we expected," Closener stated.

While the LSAP has nothing against this type of quiet study sessions, the party thinks that "it cannot be the only answer to address equal opportunities in the education sector".

The CSV also regrets that children are not actually receiving any help. MP and co-chair of the CSV Parliamentary Group Martine Hansen describes the concept as "political posturing".

Hansen pointed out that supervision has been a part of the drop-in centres' tasks since 2013. The concept presented by the Minister is "a big announcement but nothing more". The CSV also criticises that the staff issue is only being addressed now, while Francine Closener pointed out that there is not just a shortage of teachers but also educators in the drop-in centres. In addition, the introduction of free meals will already put a lot of strain on drop-in centres, according to the LSAP Party President.

It should be noted that the school year 2022/2023 was designated by the Minister as a transitional phase. During the press briefing, Meisch stated that the necessary staff for the concept will be available "by September 2024 at the latest".