MPs are demanding an investigation into lessons being taught at private schools and believe all books being used in the classroom should be scrutinised.
They are also urging the government to conduct an immediate independent investigation into the issue of imported foreign books taught in private schools without the content being checked first.
It follows concerns voiced by parents over what they fear is the subtle promotion of homosexuality and children being encouraged to declare and share their sexual feelings or preferences.
Inappropriate
Earlier this week, the Education Ministry opened an investigation into a private school after it emerged it was urging children to read a book considered ‘inappropriate’.
The school later apologised, Parliament heard, saying it was sent electronically to parents by mistake. The ministry is still investigating before deciding on what action, if any, needs to be taken. It did not name the book under scrutiny.
MPs unanimously approved an urgent proposal submitted by five MPs, led by Abdulla Al Dossary, calling for more inspections on private schools, as well as a thorough investigation into what teaching materials are currently being used, and referred it to the Cabinet for review.
Mr Al Dossary, who waived a printed cover of Don’t Forget Your Jumper, an ebook produced by British online educational publishing house Twinkl, said ‘sloppiness and carelessness in educational monitoring duties’ were the main reasons behind homosexuality being promoted and reaching children.
“We regret that such blunders are reoccurring – not just normal mistakes – issues that we can’t stay silent about,” claimed Mr Al Dossary. “Teaching those books doesn’t happen by mistake and no one can believe this one reached students by accident.
“How did this book become part of a school reading project? This is not the first mistake and will not be the last and follows the same pattern as concerns were earlier raised about the content in some of the ‘family education’ books the ministry itself prints.”
Confusion over the controversy has erupted as the title named in Parliament focuses on loss and grief and the publishers urge adults to make sure that the story is suitable for each child or class before reading.
It tells the tale of a child called Monty and his grandpa who love gardening together. Sadly, the boy’s grandpa dies. This story follows Monty as he experiences different stages of grief.
He expresses different emotions in the story, such as anger, worry, sadness and loneliness. Together, Monty and his family find a way to remember and celebrate grandpa. This book is used as a way to discuss bereavement, loss and grief with young children. For children who are experiencing grief, they may be able to relate to Monty’s story and to talk about their own feelings.
The same publishers, however, have produced a similar eBook called We Are All Different that ‘celebrates diversity’, which local teachers think may have been mistakenly confused for the bereavement title in Parliament.
Mr Al Dossary added that the Cabinet needed to investigate the matter with the ministry to take a wider perspective on the issue of suitable content for children.
“There are much worse cases out there, certainly from my understanding, that need uncovering,” he added. “Inspections must be beefed up to ensure what is taught follows accepted educational standards within traditional values and religious principles.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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