The Flemish education system has had problems for years, which many students and even teachers recognize. Our school days are too long, the teaching methods are outdated, and compared to other countries, we often lag behind in knowledge and skills. This needs to change.

 

1. Our school days are too long
In Flanders, students spend much more time in school than in many other European countries. In countries like Finland, school hours are shorter, yet students often perform better. Longer school days do not automatically mean better learning – instead, they lead to exhaustion and lack of motivation.

Additionally, we have very little free time to develop ourselves outside of school. Hobbies, sports, or simply resting? There is barely any time for that. This takes a toll on both our mental health and personal development. Many students struggle with mental health issues due to the overwhelming school system.

 

2. Flemish students are not well educated
Despite long school days, Flemish students are not better educated than their peers in other countries. This is because the education system focuses too much on memorization and not enough on understanding and applying knowledge. We are given huge amounts of material to study, but we are not taught how to effectively use that knowledge in the real world.

In countries like Finland and Sweden, the focus is on critical thinking, problem-solving, and independence – things that are rarely encouraged in Flanders. As a result, Flemish students are less prepared for the future and the job market.

If i teach a 3-year-old child that 1+1=2 without explaining why, they will grow up without understanding it. If i later ask them what 1+1+1 is, they won't know because they don’t understand the logic behind it. They only know that 1+1=2, but not how math actually works.

This situation happens far too often with students in Belgium.

 

3. Bad teachers
Many teachers do their best, but teaching in Flanders is becoming less and less attractive. This leads to teacher shortages, meaning that schools sometimes hire unqualified teachers. Some teachers lack the necessary skills to properly teach, leaving students struggling to understand the material.

On top of that, we are often taught outdated information, while the world keeps evolving. Technology and modern skills are barely covered in the curriculum, leaving Flemish students unprepared for the future.

 

What Needs to Change?

Shorter School Days | We deserve more freedom to explore the world while we are still children.

Less Focus on Memorization, More on critical thinking – Students should understand what they are learning, not just memorize facts.

Better Teacher Training | Only competent teachers in the classroom, no temporary solutions.

More Freedom for Students | Less stress, more personal development opportunities.

The teachers aren't protesting for nothing too! There aren't bad students, but only bad teachers.

 

This is not just a complaint about school hours being too long, these are real problems that need to change immediately. Compared to other countries, our students are falling behind. It’s time for action!