(MENAFN - Arab News) The Deputy Minister of Education, Noura Al-Fayez, has stressed that there are equal opportunities for men and women to assume leadership positions in the ministry, pointing out that the only criterion is "efficiency."
Al-Fayez indicated that the ministry is keen on choosing education leaders, both women and men, in a transparent and professional manner.
She also called upon the higher cadre officials within the ministry to open communication channels across all sectors and provinces and between the officials in the boys' and girls' education departments.
She emphasized the importance of developing procedural steps to achieve greater integration between the two sectors and to facilitate the exchange of experiences, indicating that the real aim of holding such meetings is to establish communication between the leaders, and to identify the most important obstacles facing the educational field.
Al-Fayez urged education leaders to "pay attention to the needs of students and education officials in the villages and provinces. Go to them; listen to their problems and needs, whether they are residents with problems, investors, or those with a vision for the nation's educational development. Interact with these people and communicate with them."
Furthermore, she revealed the ministry's plan to establish better kindergartens across the Kingdom, especially given their importance in the early development of a child's character. The ministry is also working on a plan to create development standards specifically designed for Saudi children, which will be formulated in accordance with Islamic guidelines and social customs.
She said students are the basis for the education process, and the Ministry of Education is working for them. She also highlighted the importance of giving attention to school principals by involving them in many meetings, engaging with them and giving them the necessary authority.
Al-Fayez urged educational leaders to prepare well in advance of the academic year, to start strong and avoid the obstacles faced in the previous academic year. In addition, she added that they must find means to reduce student absenteeism and motivate students.
Al-Fayez stressed the interest of the ministry in special education, pointing out that it has formed a steering committee for this sector and is currently studying the problems and obstacles it is facing.
The ministry is currently in the process of establishing a center that offers supportive services to the special education department in Riyadh, with plans of creating similar centers in other regions and governorates across the Kingdom.
