The Ministry of Education has taken a decision to bar persons and organizations from entering schools to make donations or conduct activities without prior approval from the Ministry.

In a circular issued to Head Teachers and Education Officials, Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, said the Ministry has been inundated with complaints from citizens, as well as from some teachers and parents about persons and organizations accessing schools and engaging with minor children. 

Hussain explained in his correspondence that in many instances, school children are being photographed and those photographs are published as advertisements and promotions without relevant permission. 

“With immediate effect, any person or organization who wishes to enter a school building/compound to engage learners in any discussions and/or to conduct activities such as donations or the distribution of gifts must first obtain written approval from the Central Ministry through the respective regional department of education,” the Chief Education Officer stated.

Further, Mr. Hussain communicated to the Head Teachers that there is a long-established protocol with regard to guest speakers, which state that adequate notice should be given and consent must be given before any guest speaker addresses students.

It said that protocol is necessary to ensure the safety of minors and students while maintaining a secure, conducive environment and preventing disruption to the established order and discipline within schools.

During the recent graduation season, the Ministry blocked some Opposition MPs from addressing graduation ceremonies at various high schools.

“Any head teacher who fails to observe these protocols will be recommended to the teacher Service Commission or Schools Boards Secretariat for disciplinary actions based on the table of charges, offenses and penalties,” Hussain warned. 

Last year, the Chief Education Officer roped in Head Teachers and Regional Education Officials over school tours being undertaken at unusual places. The Ministry said then it observed that educational tours are conducted at locations and places that do not contribute to better student outcomes.

That statement came just after a school visited the compound of businessman and philanthropist Azrudin Mohammed to see his expensive car collection. The same businessman recently visited a number of schools during the holiday season to share gifts with school children. The gift giveaway got senior Education officials concerned, triggering the new decision.

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