RIYADH: The Ministry of Education plans to set up a special company to build schools and train teachers, according to Faisal Bin Mu'ammar, Deputy Minister of Education. Bin Mu'ammar disclosed that the company will be similar to the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), with subsidiary companies to construct buildings, equip and furnish them, and carry out training. During a meeting Wednesday with male and female scholarship students, he said the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, would set up a toll-free number where scholarship students can lodge their complaints and other difficulties without giving their names. He pointed out that through the King Abdullah Project for Developing Education (Tatweer), the Ministry of Education is in the process of attracting top-performing male and female scholarship students in the sciences, Mathematics, English language, Physics and Chemistry. Bin Mu'ammar urged scholarship students to adopt moderation as an approach and show openness, magnanimity and the tolerance of Islam. He advised them to keep away from complicated matters, to frequent libraries which are places to meet good friends, and to respect the laws and regulations of the countries where they are studying. “You should know your rights and duties in general toward the host country, and the importance of keeping away from gatherings, being too happy and interfering in others' private matters. You should set an example for others to follow.” He warned scholarship students against spending their money unwisely because this will cause them financial problems. Bin Mu'ammar expressed regret about some students being crowded into one institute, with as many as 12 in one class. He drew attention to the fact that women excel in their studies compared to men. Speaking to female scholarship students, he stressed the importance of wearing respectful clothes as recommended by the Islamic Shariah. This will respect the Kingdom and Saudi customs and traditions and create a good impression, he added.
