Okaz newspaper

ALTHOUGH the Education Ministry has published its academic calendar several years ago, we have a feeling that the ministry embraces the new academic year by surprise.

Some schools have entered the second week of academic year without the students receiving their prescribed textbooks while some others have not even appointed guards to open and close the school gates at the beginning and end of the class hours.

We can also see many schools without having cleaners to keep the school and its surroundings neat and tidy in order to help students pursue their studies in a healthy atmosphere.

We have noticed that some schools have appointed illegal foreign workers, breaching the Kingdom’s residency and labor regulations, which should have never occurred.

I expected the formation of Tatwir Company and its specialized subsidiaries would support the Education Ministry and contribute to the development of the country’s education system, meeting its requirements and realizing its educational objectives.

Unfortunately, we have seen repeated delays in implementing Tatwir’s projects and programs at the beginning of every academic year. Many schools were not prepared to begin classes while textbooks for some classes were not ready for distribution.

This situation has negatively affected studies at schools. Keeping the syllabus ready to start studies for different academic levels is another issue. These things have been putting pressure on educational supervisors, principals, teachers, students and parents throughout the academic year.

I don’t know where is the problem? We know that there are highly qualified and experienced officials at the ministry who work hard with dedication to further improve the country’s educational system, its standard and performance.

The measures taken by the ministry have been facing obstacles. Who should we blame for this imbroglio — the difficult path they tread or their poor physical condition?

Some schools have entered the second week of academic year without the students receiving their prescribed textbooks while some others have not even appointed guards to open and close the school gates at the beginning and end of the class hours.