Paris (AFP)

The new government, which has just been completed with the appointment of eleven Secretaries of State, including two for the Ministry of Education alone, "has a real strategy for youth," Jean-Michel Blanquer argued on Monday.

With the arrival of a new Secretary of State for Youth and commitment, Sarah El Hairy, replacing Gabriel Attal, and that of Nathalie Elimas, who will be specifically in charge of priority education, "it is that is to say the most disadvantaged students, we have a real strategy for youth, "said Mr. Blanquer on France inter.

"They must contribute to this very important task that we have which is to fight against inequalities in general and to have a youth priority", insisted the Minister of National Education, recalling the specific plan for employment young people recently announced by Prime Minister Jean Castex.

"The consequences of confinement should not be to sacrifice youth and of course this will not be the case, both through education and through employment," he assured.

After a school year turned upside down by confinement, the favored scenario for the start of the school year is that of a "normal start", with a "light health protocol that allows us to receive all the students", he said.

The ministry is also working "on other scenarios in case", in the event of confinement, partial or not, or an "intermediate" situation which would require "a reinforced health protocol".

"The question of a bonus for computer equipment" for teachers is currently being discussed with the unions, to anticipate a possible return to distance education, added Mr. Blanquer.

The minister, however, rejected the idea of ​​adapting school programs after this year disrupted by the pandemic.

"I am very attentive to the fight against inequalities and to raising the general level, (...) therefore the objective is not to lower the requirements", he explained.

For students whose level has fallen, "we will put the package, especially in overtime so that the level is reached", he concluded, referring to the "personalized assistance" devices that allow teachers to consolidate the fundamentals of students, "particularly in French and mathematics".

© 2020 AFP