Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi Teachers to Undergo Religious Tolerance Training | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat- The Saudi Ministry of Education had declared that it will offer male and female teachers of Islamic studies special training programs designed to spread the concept of religious tolerance amongst teachers.

Saad Al Mady, Director General of Training at the Ministry of Education, informed Asharq Al Awsat that one of the most important priorities for the ministry is increasing awareness and religious tolerance amongst teaching staff.

Al Mady highlighted the continuous cooperation between the training department and teachers of religious studies and Islamic culture to spread and endorse tolerance between teachers, ultimately conveying this message to their students.

Concerning the training programs that are planned for the upcoming academic year, Al Mady asserted that 120,000 teachers would participate in the project of continuous evaluation of students from the fourth grade. He also asserted that 360 trainers from various departments of education have successfully completed their training sessions and will advise teaching staff as to the most efficient method for effective evaluation.

Al Mady affirmed that the training programs had been designed by the public administration for training and assigning teachers, with the help of different authorities. He noted that the same program would be made available through the internet. He also noted that despite the fact that the training program is not compulsory for teachers, it would be extremely beneficial.

Concerning the increase of drug addiction amongst students, Al Mady stated that a new agreement had been signed with the official authority for combating drugs to offer intensive training programs by the beginning of the forthcoming academic year, which will enable teachers and students to detect signs of drug abuse and how to deal with its victims. Dr. Al Mady also stated that the training department will also look at carrying out analytical studies of methods used to manage domestic violence, which will be joined by the parents of students. He stated that the training department along with other concerned authorities would directly participate in solving this social problem.

Al Mady emphasized that the training department would also offer its sessions and diplomas to those who have joined the ministry of Higher Education. He noted that many efforts have been made to ensure constant communication with the faculties of education and teachers. Concerning the training of teachers in the private sector, Al Mady stated that the training of staff would be the responsibility of the school itself, which should be conducted in an informal and friendly manner.