Abdullah Al-Dahhas

Okaz/Saudi Gazette



MAKKAH — Old men should not be appointed as guards at schools, principals of several schools told Makkah daily.



The principals said guards who are old would not be able to adequately protect students if something happens at their schools.



However, other school principals said older men are suitable for such roles because they command respect.



Most of the guards at girls’ schools are aging men who cannot carry out their functions adequately, it was claimed.



They are given several tasks including sending the mail and fetching items required by the school.



Majidah Al-Harbi, a school principal, said the majority of schools are suffering due to the appointment of old men as guards.



She demanded the ministry appoint educated young men as guards so they better understand the tasks assigned to them.



Al-Harbi suggested that the school administration be empowered to appoint guards.



She said the problems she experienced with the guard at her school include how far he lives away and the fact his old age prevents him from moving and responding quickly to certain tasks.



Al-Harbi said continuing to employ guards until they turn 70 is among the problems the ministry should attend to.



Meanwhile, Zakiyah Hassan, another school principal, said the guard’s age is a very important matter and is against appointing young men in this role.



She gave several reasons, the most important of which is that parents want old school guards as they command respect.



She said the school has nothing to do with the appointment of guards.



Hassan added school principals could only write a report to the ministry if their guards were not carrying out their duties properly.



The ministry then takes appropriate action.



The director of education information at the Makkah Education Administration, Talal Raddadi, said the criteria governing the employment of guards were set by the Ministry of Education.



He said these conditions stipulate that a school guard should be aged between 40 and 48.



He should be literate, own a means of transport and be able to drive.



He should not be a retiree or receiving a salary from any other authorities.