Eğitim Sen expressed its reaction to the Ministry of National Education's 2027 budget, which is currently being discussed at the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Planning and Budget Committee, with a statement made in front of the Ministry in Ankara. Eğitim Sen Chairman Kemal Irmak argued that the budget does not address the fundamental problems in the field of education and stated that resources must be allocated for students and education workers.
Irmak voiced their demands on many issues, ranging from children's access to nutrition and clean water at school to teacher shortages, and from the prevention of violence in schools to overcrowded classrooms. Stating, "We want one healthy meal and accessible clean water for all children," Irmak noted that sufficient guidance teachers, psychological counselors, and social workers should be employed in schools.
Arguing that the increase in the Ministry of National Education's budget has eroded in real terms against high inflation, Irmak stated that the majority of the budget is allocated to personnel expenses, while the share allocated to investments remains insufficient. Irmak stated that inflation in the education sector is running higher than general inflation and that the budget is not at a level to meet the needs of schools.
Irmak also criticized the continuation of the paid teaching practice. Stating that the teacher shortage in Şanlıurfa alone is over 10 thousand, Irmak noted that the number of teachers waiting to be appointed at the National Education Academy does not even meet this need. The Eğitim Sen Chairman demanded that the teacher shortage be resolved through permanent staffing.
DEMAND TO END THE MESEM PRACTICE
Vocational Training Centers (MESEM) were also brought to the agenda in the statement. Claiming that the MESEM practice exposes children to abuse and labor exploitation, Irmak demanded that the practice be ended and that a serious budget be allocated for genuine vocational training.
Stating that overcrowded classrooms persist in the earthquake zone and in large cities, Irmak drew attention to the need for new schools. Touching on the cleaning problem in schools, Irmak said that instead of temporary solutions, permanent personnel should be employed.
Irmak stated that education workers and unions were not included in the budget preparation processes and said, "We do not accept this budget in this form." Demanding wages above the poverty line for education workers, Irmak also expressed that additional course fees have eroded over the years.
Ahmet Karagöz, Co-Chairman of KESK, who attended the statement, argued that the 2027 budget does not meet the demands of the workers. Stating that a gender-sensitive budget should be allocated for women, Karagöz called for the rally that KESK, DİSK, TMMOB, and TTB will organize in Ankara Tandoğan on December 12.
Saying, "We want a Turkey where workers, laborers, tradespeople, students, and farmers can get the rewards of their labor," Karagöz invited citizens to meet in Tandoğan on December 12.
News Source: 12punto
