Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali has said that she does not believe students praying in schools as part of an act of extremism.
Minister Dr. Aishath Ali was responding to a question asked at the Parliament on Monday in response to rumors circulating on social media that praying during school hours is considered among the signs of students going to extremist ideology.
Minister Dr. Aishath Ali said that one of the main foundations of the national curriculum is to teach the principles and noble customs of Islam to the students and build talented children who love the country. Speaking in this regard, the minister said every school will have arrangements for students to pray inside the school.
Replying to questions raised by some members regarding the security of schools, in relation to a recent case in Jamaluddin School, the minister said the security of schools is arranged in a concerted manner within a specific arrangement. She added that SOPs have been developed and shared with the schools regarding the procedures to be followed in the event of an incident in the school.
Moreover, Ministry of Education has requested all schools to keep their gates locked during teaching hours to ensure the safety and security of students.
