Education Ministry Sets Rules and Prohibitions for Work and Conduct Inside Schools

- Ban on fundraising, misuse of school facilities, and photography and publication without approval

- Prohibition of unlicensed activities, stricter oversight of school canteens, and disciplinary measures against violators

The Ministry of Education has announced regulations and prohibitions governing work and behavior within schools, emphasizing the ban on collecting money and donations, exploiting school facilities for personal gain, and organizing activities and events without prior approval. The ministry also stressed adherence to health standards for school canteens, protection of students’ privacy, and maintenance of professional discipline and conduct.

In regulations published today, the ministry emphasized the prohibition of collecting monetary amounts or accepting cash and in-kind donations from teachers, administrators, students, and parents within schools for any purpose. It also banned the sale or promotion of goods or services, as well as the misuse of official positions and school facilities to achieve personal or material benefits.

The ministry confirmed that no purchases, contracts, disbursements, or collections are permitted unless in accordance with established regulations and controls. It also banned the sale, distribution, or introduction of food and beverages from unapproved sources into schools for any reason.

Regarding school canteens, the ministry prohibited operating canteens or offering products that violate health requirements and approved instructions. It confirmed that food distributions for events are only acceptable in accordance with Ministry of Health Decision No. 15 of 2025 concerning the School Canteens Regulation, and only after verifying the source, safety, storage conditions, and health requirements.

School administrations are required to conduct daily monitoring of canteen operations, issue violation reports, and designate a member of the canteen management team to inform inspectors from the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition of any violations observed during monitoring.

The ministry also stressed the enforcement of canteen contract terms, issuing warnings to contractors to rectify violations within a period of no less than three working days from the date of the warning. Contract termination penalties will be imposed in case of non-compliance.

Activities and Events

The ministry prohibited organizing any event or celebratory activity hosted by individuals from outside the ministry or entities from outside the school premises without obtaining explicit written approval from the competent authority.

It also banned coordination, contracting, or hosting any entity, institution, or individual from outside the ministry to conduct activities without approval from the relevant authorities. The ministry emphasized that activities and events must be limited to achieving clear educational and pedagogical objectives and must be included in the approved school plan.

It further stressed the prohibition of using the school’s name or the Ministry of Education’s logo in any publications, advertisements, or commercial promotions without official administrative coordination and approval.

Photography and Publication

The ministry prohibited using one’s official position on social media to discuss ministry affairs for any reason, particularly photographing workplaces or employees and publishing such images.

It also banned photographing, recording, publishing images of, or disclosing data of students without obtaining prior written approval in accordance with established regulations. The circulation of images via private accounts or communication groups was also prohibited.

The ministry confirmed the prohibition of linking students’ images with their personal information or using them outside educational purposes. It also banned disclosing or leaking school secrets, data, documents, or information regarding students, parents, and staff, as well as requesting information unrelated to work or misusing such information.

The ministry stressed that issuing statements, publishing news or content in the name of the ministry or school, or using their logos in advertisements and personal pages is not permitted without official authorization from the competent authority.

It also prohibited the dissemination of rumors, incorrect information, or content offensive to the Ministry, the school, learners, or staff via social media or other channels.

Behavior and Discipline

The Ministry emphasized the necessity of adhering to tolerance, avoiding racism, and maintaining dignified conduct in all actions, drawing on the educational role of teachers and administrators as role models for students.

It stressed the importance of performing job duties with honesty and dedication, striving to improve performance, and exhibiting upright behavior that reflects ethical and educational values, while avoiding anything that tarnishes the profession’s honor or diminishes its prestige.

The Ministry also highlighted the importance of treating students based on mutual respect, safeguarding their physical and psychological well-being, and avoiding any behavior that falls outside the established educational framework.

It called for enhancing respect and cooperation among members of the teaching and administrative staff, and resolving disputes through official and administrative channels.

It emphasized compliance with official working hours, regulations, and systems in place, as well as protecting the school’s property and assets. The use of mobile phones or smart devices during class hours is prohibited unless for educational purposes, provided it does not affect job performance or disrupt the class.

Legal and Disciplinary Measures

The Ministry affirmed that organizing any event without obtaining approval from the competent authorities constitutes an administrative violation, warranting immediate referral to the Legal Affairs Department for investigation and the application of prescribed disciplinary penalties.

It stressed that there will be no leniency toward any actions or behaviors that violate regulations or fall outside the bounds of proper professional practices within the school, confirming that necessary legal and administrative measures will be taken against any violations.