Education officers, head teachers, and principals received a circular from the Ministry of Education (MoE) on Tuesday alerting them to the possibility of student safety risks and the frequency with which unauthorized individuals are entering school buildings and grounds to conduct various student-related activities.
This circular explained how to obtain entry to a school’s compound and the precautions that should be taken to guarantee student safety. The Ministry of Education in their press release stated that this “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.”
In the circular sent out yesterday, Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain advised parents, teachers, and concerned citizens that several complaints had been made about individuals and groups entering school facilities and grounds and interacting with young people. Furthermore, without the necessary consent, students have frequently been photographed and had their images used in promotions and ads.
It was emphasized in the circular that, “with immediate effect,” any individual or group wishing to enter a school building or compound to have a conversation with students or to carry out any kind of fundraising or gift-giving activity must first receive written permission from the Central Ministry (the appropriate Assistant Chief Education Officers) via the relevant Regional Department of Education