After more than two months of vacation, teachers and students are expected to return to school on October 6, 2025 for the former and the 8th for the latter. One of the questions that is on everyone's mind in this southern region of the country: "Is it possible to implement: Ouby Tey Jang Tey (start of learning lessons on the first day of school)?"

Between October 8 and 10, the weather forecast predicts a return of thunderstorms and light to moderate rain in southern areas.

The cumulative rainfall as of September 30, 2025 in Ziguinchor indicates a fairly high amount of water recorded. At the Cap-Skirring station, a cumulative rainfall of 1310.2 mm was recorded. The Oussouye station recorded 1423.2 mm, that of Ziguinchor 1214.8 mm and Bignona displayed 1083.9 mm.

Figures which sufficiently show the intensity of the rain in the South of the country, in Ziguinchor in particular, and the difficulties that several schools may encounter during this winter period (flooding and invasion of grass, etc.).

These factors can have serious consequences for the effectiveness of learning from the start of the school year. For most stakeholders, despite the heavy rains and weeds that have invaded some schoolyards, the "Ubi Tay, Jang Tey" must be a reality.

Community mobilization

In Ziguinchor, arrangements are being made by technical services such as the fire brigade, hygiene services, and Sonaged as part of the cleaning of schools, said the Ziguinchor Academy Inspector, Papa Gorgui Ndiaye.

Sonaged, on the instructions of the authorities, is assisting schools in cleaning up their school environment. Several establishments have been thoroughly combed, cleaned, and weeded.

Sékou Thiam, regional delegate of Sonaged, informed that organizational plans have been adopted to be able to carry out this work and open on time with clean schools.

Between October 2nd and 3rd, 25 schools were already treated. Eight were currently being treated, and nine remain to be treated during this period. Before the start of the school year, 42 schools in the department will be cleared of all grass and dirt.

In Bignona and Oussouye, despite the weak system in these two departments, Sonaged agents are mobilized for the weeding of schools in the departmental capitals and towns such as Tenghory (Bignona) and Diembéring (Oussouye).

In this community mobilization, the Parents' Associations (APE) are not left out.

"We have appealed to parents in the Ziguinchor region and to the community, first of all to weed the schools and clean them," said the president of the Regional Union of Parents' Associations, Mamadou Négué Barry.

After weeding, disinfection is what these organizations want. "We wanted the state to take steps to disinfect the establishments so that students can start on October 8."

Mr. Barry expressed a spirit of solidarity for the start of lessons on the first day of school.

The authorities' firm decision

According to the educational authorities of Ziguinchor, actions have already been taken in terms of weeding and sanitation of schools and despite the challenges related to shelters, the physical conditions of certain schools and the unpredictable effects of the rain, the return of students scheduled for October 8 and the start of classes on that date will be mandatory.

Ibrahima Khalil Sakho, Inspector of Education and Training, reported: "Not all the conditions are met, but we believe the prerequisites are there. Actions are already being taken in terms of weeding, actions are already being taken to clean up schools. And what remains is perhaps the community, especially the parents of students, the day they release the children and come to school," advises the head of education of the Ziguinchor department.

He specifies that the rain factor can have an impact, however for IEF, learning can take place without major difficulties.

"We are in the rainy season and every day, I would say, it rains in Ziguinchor. Today, the firefighters can intervene to evacuate the water and a few hours later, we can record another rain. But when that happens, despite the dilapidated state of some schools, I think that the conditions are right for learning to resume in acceptable conditions.

For the 'Ubi tay, Jang Tay' concept to be effective, three elements are required, reports the Ziguinchor IA. Schools and facilities must be well-maintained to accommodate students. Students must be prepared to go to school on the first day of school. Teaching staff must be available. ʺI am hopeful that the Ubi Tay, Jang Tay concept may become a reality in the Ziguinchor academy. Of course, there will be exceptions. There are still schools where, particularly perhaps if the flooding persists, the presence of water, if the wintering is still prolonged, these things could occur. But overall, I believe that the Ubi tay, Jang Tay concept can indeed become a reality in the Ziguinchor region. I believe that these three conditions can be met.ʺ, declared Pape Gorgui Ndiaye.

The inspector invites parents to send their children on the 8th day of the opening of classes.