Even though they were not able to speak to any ministry officials, they say the demonstration has attracted welcome attention.

“We have achieved the main goal of our demonstration, as our voices have been heard by the media and our problem is now public,” said Badr, one of the protesters.

He added that they were asked politely by police officials to end the demonstration and go home.

The chain of events started when a group of more than 200 teachers gathered in front of the ministry requesting to meet the minister or his deputy.

They stood there from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., without receiving any response from the ministry.

“We thought there was a breakthrough when the deputy minister called for three of us to meet him, but they waited for three hours in front of his office only to be told that he has no time for them,” added Badr.

He also said that they decided to end the demonstration as many of the teachers had come from all over the Kingdom, including Qassim, Jeddah, Tabuk and the Eastern Province, and had to go home. However, they intend to return after the Eid break.

“We are expecting more teachers to join us, as the concept of a protest is new to many,” said Badr.