Opinion

First let us Saudize Saudis

September 21, 2017
First let us Saudize Saudis

Abdullah bin Bakheet



Al-Riyadh

WHEN I was a student at elementary school, the teacher did not only teach us but checked our clothes and nails to make sure they were clean. He would also, every now and then, give pieces of advice. If a student did not get better, he would be hit with a bamboo stick or ruler. Parents endorsed the way teachers behaved and never objected. In fact, parents used to do the same. They would hit their children with bamboo sticks as a way of disciplining them. Nevertheless, education in the country was on the right track.

At the time, we learned mathematics, Islamic jurisprudence, science, etc. We were taught how to speak to someone respectfully and how to take care of our health and how to be good citizens. The government took care of all students and ensured that each student would get vaccinated on time. Each school had a social counselor who would follow up on student behavior and report any unusual conduct to parents. At school, I played table tennis, volleyball and soccer and took part in theater. I even learned calligraphy and art. More importantly, I learned how to be a good citizen and how to be patriotic.

Saudi students today need to be taught four things. Firstly, they should learn how to be humble. We are not the richest or strongest country in the world. Saudi students are not responsible for foreign causes and issues. It is not their job to deal with global issues, regardless of whether such issues are related to Islam. It is also not the job of a mosque imam or parents to deal with these issues. This is the task of the government and experts on international relations. The government and experts know how to handle Arab, Islamic or international issues.

Secondly, students should learn to be independent. Teachers should teach students how to make wise and responsible decisions and to use their mind and faith to do that.

Thirdly, students should understand that they are co-owners of public property and should, therefore, protect public property and keep public places clean. They should understand that the government spends a large amount of money to keep public places clean.

Lastly, citizenship should be a part of every student’s identity regardless of what tribe the student belongs to or hails from. We are all Saudi students. Schools should teach students how to be good citizens and then focus on mathematics, Islamic subjects, etc.


September 21, 2017
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