The union representing secondary school teachers expresses disappointment as the majority parties disregarded several negative opinions, including those of the Chamber of Civil Servants and Public Employees (CHFEP), which had raised critical concerns in two separate assessments of the draft bill and did not endorse it.
A key point of contention for both the CHFEP and Féduse is the lack of clarity surrounding the operation and functioning of the proposed “alternative school structures” designed to accommodate and assist potential dropouts.
Details regarding the activities offered, the assessment process, issuing of diplomas and certificates, as well as the nature of these structures (state-run or private) remain unclear, prompting the teachers’ union to seek clarification on these vital aspects.
In addition, Féduse questions the added value of these alternative offerings compared to the existing public structures and services such as competence centres, MOSAIK classes, language-specific classes, and socio-educational services, among many others.
Finally, the union highlights an addition to the law during the final stages of the legislative period, allowing young people over the age of 16 to pursue employment if they can provide an employment contract.
Féduse “expressly welcomes” this option to opt-out of compulsory education, even if it “directly contradicts the Ministry of Education’s original aim of simply extending compulsory education until 18 years of age.”
“We therefore note that, contrary to what has officially been stated, Luxembourg still does not have absolute compulsory schooling until the age of 18, and we think that is a good thing,” the union writes.
