Deputy Undersecretary for Educational Affairs: Ban on collecting money from students, parents, and educational staff

Alaa Khalifa: The Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Eng. Hamad Al-Hamad, held a meeting with directors of educational affairs and stage supervisors in educational districts, as well as the Special Education and Religious Education Department, attended by Mohammed Al-Wazan, Director General of the General Administration of Educational Districts. The meeting aimed to monitor school operations, identify field needs and challenges, and enhance the speed of addressing them in accordance with approved systems and regulations.

At the outset of the meeting, Al-Hamad emphasized that the assignment represents a responsibility requiring doubled efforts and teamwork to achieve desired aspirations, meet the needs of students and school administrations, and promptly address their requirements.

He stressed the importance of intensifying field visits to schools by directors of educational affairs and stage supervisors, and not relying solely on office-based monitoring. This approach ensures direct identification of challenges, a clear understanding of the reality of school operations, and the removal of obstacles by mobilizing available resources to address them. He directed that periodic reports be submitted to the General Administration of Educational Districts, detailing visit outcomes, measures taken, and issues requiring intervention by competent authorities.

Al-Hamad also underscored the importance of adopting an open-door policy and enhancing direct communication with school administrations and visitors, listening to their feedback, and addressing it professionally and promptly. He affirmed that the current stage requires role integration and teamwork, shifting from merely noting observations to actively resolving them and following up on the implementation of solutions on the ground.

Al-Hamad directed that school administrations must strictly comply with the provisions of the Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Education, and that its articles and guidelines be clarified to school staff to ensure uniform understanding and application, thereby reinforcing adherence to the systems and instructions governing school operations.

He further emphasized the necessity of adhering to decisions and circulars issued by the Ministry of Education, particularly the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and the circular outlining rules, prohibitions, and behavioral standards within schools. This includes, foremost, the prohibition of collecting or demanding any monetary amounts from students, parents, or teaching staff. He directed that compliance with these regulations be monitored and that appropriate measures be taken in accordance with approved regulations.

Regarding security and safety, Al-Hamad directed the activation of rapid response teams and evacuation plans in schools, ensuring clear mechanisms for handling emergencies, and clarifying the distribution of responsibilities and roles. He also called for raising readiness levels to contribute to safeguarding the safety of students and personnel in the educational field.