Education minister promises to listen more to pupils after talks
Flemish Education minister Zuhal Demir has promised to listen more closely to pupils after a 90-minute meeting with the Vlaamse Scholierenkoepel (Flemish Pupils’ Council).
The pupils’ council said on Wednesday evening that Demir had agreed to discuss her education policies with pupils more often. Regular meetings will be held with her cabinet so pupils can share their concerns before decisions are made.
The talks followed strong criticism of Demir’s planned reforms, including the removal of pedagogical study days. The council said it regrets that these days will not return, but welcomed the promise of greater involvement.
Council chair Lieselore Wouters said the minister understood pupils’ frustration, especially around pressure, stress and fear of failure. Mental wellbeing, she said, was a key issue for pupils.
The meeting took place as calls spread on TikTok for a pupil strike on Thursday against Demir’s reforms, including new rules on smartphones and school days. The pupils’ council said it was unclear how many pupils would take part.
Demir has previously said that striking counts as truancy and that her focus remains on improving education quality.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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