LESSONS in religious tolerance should be a part of the school curricula, said legislators.
A call to modify the subject of Citizenship, being taught in public schools from Grade One, was made by MPs and Shura Council members during a major forum held simultaneously at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya and virtually on Zoom.
The event, under the joint patronage of National Assembly and Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal and Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh, marks the International Day of Peace which fell yesterday.
It was organised by both Parliament and Shura in co-ordination with the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence under the theme ‘Bahrain … A Model That Can’t Be Replicated in Love, Peace and Tolerance’.
Harmony
The Education Ministry has just introduced human rights principles as part of the Citizenship curricula.
“In Bahrain, for centuries people have been living alongside each other in harmony, love and brotherhood, with religious beliefs never being an issue,” said Shura human rights committee chairman Ahmed Al Haddad.
“But, that doesn’t mean we can’t further embed the concepts of peaceful coexistence amongst children from grade one to 12.
“Human rights principles are now being taught in schools but that could be modified to include specifics of religions and religious beliefs practised in Bahrain.
“Schoolchildren need to understand religious backgrounds, practices and rituals to be more understanding to their surroundings; it creates a stronger bond.”
Mr Al Haddad added that His Majesty King Hamad has been globally campaigning to criminalise hate and discriminatory and sectarian speeches through multiple initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence.
“The King’s clear vision is focused on achieving coexistence globally and Bahrain’s involvement in humanitarian and peace drives and combating terrorism reflects the ideology of spreading tolerance.”
Parliament human rights committee chairman Ammar Al Bannai said religious tolerance amongst community members is a pillar in Bahrain’s past, present and future way of life.
“I wasn’t taught how to love my neighbours, and neither was my father or my grandfather; it came to us spontaneously as we saw churches, mosques, temples and ma’atams all together in the same line.
“The proposed idea to have specifics about religious beliefs taught to students under revised curricula is good since it would teach schoolchildren how to respect those around them.
“It evolves from an already loving and understanding community in which diversity is felt and respected.”
He said the modified curricula would plant the seeds of a more tolerant society.
Centre secretary general Sumaya Al Meer said tolerance and coexistence has been a normal practice in Bahrain for ages, but it has since peaked under the King.
“We appreciate the work by the legislative authority to draw up new legislation to combat hate, extremism and condemning religions following directives by the King.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))