Title: The teacher-researchers’ strike at the University of Antananarivo: a fight for quality higher education in Madagascar
Introduction :
For almost three months now, teacher-researchers at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar have been on strike. Their demands, which are more than five years old, relate to crucial issues such as the non-payment of certain indemnities, the lack of means and the dilapidated infrastructure. Despite their peaceful mobilization, the teacher-researchers deplore the inaction of the public authorities and are determined to harden their movement.
Legitimate demands:
According to Graziella Masindrazana, teacher-researcher and general secretary of the Syndicate of teacher-researchers and researcher-teachers (Seces), teacher-researchers are only claiming their due. In fact, for five years, the State has not honored payment for their additional hours. This situation jeopardizes their financial situation and their professional motivation. They have also filed requests for a hearing to meet the president, but no favorable response has been granted to them so far.
State abandonment:
Teacher-researchers feel abandoned by the Malagasy state, which does not give enough importance to higher education and scientific research. Currently, funds allocated to scientific research represent less than 0.1% of the state budget. This situation jeopardizes the country’s development, because a strong higher education is essential to foster innovation and economic growth. The teacher-researchers point out that the application of the laws passed last year would make it possible to respond to the majority of their demands and to further empower the university.
Actions that are getting tougher:
Faced with the inaction of public authorities, the teacher-researcher union plans to toughen up its actions. The suspension of classes continues, and the movement is planning awareness-raising actions to make their demands heard. The University of Antananarivo risks declaring the year 2023 a “white year” if the strike persists, which will have harmful consequences on the training of students.
Conclusion :
The teacher-researcher strike at the University of Antananarivo highlights the difficulties higher education in Madagascar is facing. The legitimate demands of teacher-researchers concern essential issues such as the recognition of their work and the development of higher education and scientific research. It is crucial that the public authorities take these claims into account in order to guarantee quality education and promote the country’s development.