Education in Saudi Arabia Essay Example
Education in Saudi Arabia Essay Example

Education in Saudi Arabia Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (435 words)
  • Published: March 13, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The foundation of Saudi Arabia has always revolved around a particularly rigid interpretation of Islam. The various public ministries such as Justice and Education are strictly governed by religious authorities; for instance, they prohibit the diffusion of any book that's not part of the official Saudi syllabus to students. The propagation of extremist beliefs is done through the utilization of scholastic textbooks that cultivate animosity towards Christians, Jews, and even fellow Muslims; moreover, this line of thinking, which labels anyone not practicing Islam as a non-believer who could be eligible for punishment, can be linked to the global terrorist incidents that have occurred.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz recently initiated a Public Education Development Project, known as Tatweer, which is a direct translation of "reform". The purpose of this educational transformation is to enhance the competencies of Saudi students, preparing them fo

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r the increasingly global and modernized business environment. However, this shift in educational curriculum has garnered mixed reactions. Some believe it's not just a significant religious matter but also a deceitful political move by the Saudi leaders to appease other countries, particularly the United States of America.

A number of Saudi educators and residents are perturbed by the notion that external entities spearhead this change. However, another contingent posits that the reform is purely an academic initiative designed to make Saudi Arabia exceptionally competitive. The goal is to produce more reflective, professionally prepared graduates who can engage in respectful dialogue with the global community irrespective of spiritual disparities. This initiative, known as Tatweer, which costs $2.4 billion, was set into motion three years prior.

Saudi Arabia's schools have benefitted from an influx of modern technological resources, yet

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the prevailing religious ideology remains unchanged. Simply omitting certain parts of books does not reflect a significant and impactful change, hence it is insufficient to eradicate such a deeply ingrained belief system. Echoing Yehya al Amir's sentiment, "If you want to change the curriculum, you have to present an entirely new lifestyle, a fresh ideology." The standard of education in Saudi Arabia is hindered due to the rigid outlook embraced by their academic program.

The disdain that some humans bear against others on the basis of divergent religious beliefs, culminating in violence against those deemed as "non-believers," is not only unreasonable but also excessively irrational. Changing such deep-rooted perceptions, as attempted by the Saudi Arabian Education Ministry, is an uphill battle. The aspect they wish to modify forms an integral part of their societal and cultural lineage, reminding them of their uniqueness. Hence, undertaking this reform, despite its positive intentions, will undoubtedly be challenging.

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