Mixed schools ruled out

RIYADH, 1 April — Education Minister Dr. Muhammad Al-Rasheed said yesterday that the merger of the Presidency of Girls’ Education with the Ministry of Education does not imply any change in the Kingdom’s educational policy. “Although they come under one roof, boys’ schools and girls’ schools will remain separated,” he said. “We’ll continue to abide by Islamic teachings,” he said, setting at rest all speculations that the merger implied co-education. “Girls’ schools will continue to be run by females,” he said, adding that his ministry will give top priority to Islamic education. “The national budget has allotted 27.3 percent for public education, the highest in the region,” he added. (SPA)