Saudi Arabia Creates Social Fund for Education Department

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan
Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan
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Saudi Arabia Creates Social Fund for Education Department

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan
Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan

Saudi Arabia has announced a social fund for the education department that is aimed at enhancing the professional development of educators and ensuring the sustainability of institutional work in the education sector.

This initiative seeks to bolster the role of teachers by providing professional development opportunities, specialized courses, fostering a nurturing educational environment, and delivering quality services to them.

Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan announced the fund’s establishment within the framework of the integrated relationship between the Ministry of Education and the educational workforce, notably teachers.

He emphasized that the directives of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are clear when it comes to advancing education in Saudi Arabia and implementing a transformative plan for the education sector to ensure its global excellence and competitiveness.

The initiative acknowledges World Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated annually on Oct. 5.

Al-Benyan clarified that the doors for applying for international scholarships remain open throughout the year, aiming to provide opportunities for Saudis to enroll in global universities through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, covering all academic levels and fields of study.

He also mentioned that more than 52,000 scholarship recipients from Saudi Arabia have joined international universities, including specialized fields that contribute to the realization of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the foundations of education in the Kingdom. These efforts align with modern educational approaches and follow the best global practices.

Moreover, Al-Benyan unveiled new curricula which place a strong emphasis on cognitive, skill-based, and behavioral aspects. These curricula encompass subjects such as space science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.

He clarified that some of these courses have already been introduced in the secondary education level in the new academic year.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.