JEDDAH, 17 December 2006 — “Catch them young” is the goal of a major anti-terrorism campaign that targets schoolchildren in the Makkah region. A variety of programs, including lectures by experts, meeting with security officers and radio programs, will be held as part of the yearlong campaign aimed at preventing girls and boys from being attracted to deviant thoughts and extremist ideologies.
Makkah Gov. Prince Abdul Majeed has endorsed the program, which will be implemented by the Education Department in the region. “The campaign is aimed at creating a culture of combating terrorism among boys and girls,” said Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal ibn Majed.
The campaign reaffirms the Ministry of Education’s commitment to bring up children in the right manner, protecting their minds from deviant thoughts, inculcating good morals and manners and strengthening their allegiance toward God and the nation.
“It also aims at promoting patriotism among both boys and girls and deepening a feeling of belonging and sacrifice in order to protect the nation and its achievements,” said a statement carried by the Makkah governorate’s website.
The campaign augurs well with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to root out terrorism. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has reiterated that the government would continue its campaign to flush out terrorists and extremists, no matter how long its takes.
Abdalelah Saaty of King Abdul Aziz University said the anti-terror campaign should involve all sections of society to make it more effective and successful. “We are in a terrible need for such a campaign to safeguard our children from following the road of fanatics,” he said, adding that mosques could also play a significant role in the campaign.
