Public schools across the nation will celebrate the National Day tomorrow as the Ramadan break did not give them the opportunity to go green with the rest of the Kingdom on Sept. 23. Abdullah Al-Obaid, Minister of Education, said it was important on this day to instill students with the values of the nation, its history and struggle to come into being, and its subsequent achievements. It is also vital for students to develop a sense of belonging and loyalty to their homeland and disregard any deviant ideology, Al-Obaid said. “Students need to be alerted to plots against their religion and country, coming in the form of religious extremism and moral corruption.”School activities including lectures, symposiums, literary compositions and painting competitions will be themed towards serving national unity and intellectual security, according to Ministry plans. Schools are scheduled to host keynote speakers from government authorities and students will be encouraged to take part in discussions and sideline debates during the National Day celebrations. Some schools have also arranged field trips. – Okaz __
