HOLY SITES: The number of women guides will be increased for the next Haj, according to Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, Minister of Education. The minister was speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette in Mina, Saturday after inspecting the scouts who will be on duty. He also assured the public of King Abdullah's good health. He said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was recovering well from a slipped disc. He said women scouts were playing a crucial role during Haj. For this reason he wants to double their number in future. He added that plans are being drawn up to convert the scout society into a civil body, as ordered by the King. He hoped the private sector will help finance the society. He said the King's decision will contribute to the development and progress of the society which currently has 125,000 members. He said he was “very happy and proud” of the participation of the women scout guides in the Haj. He said it is a “noble mission” and sends out a strong message to society, particularly the children, about the value of voluntary work. “I will never forget the King's words when he saw a youth gathering in Jubail; he described them as ‘messengers of peace to the world',” said Prince Faisal. Meanwhile, Prince Faisal added that the government had decided to extend the school holidays until Nov. 26 after careful consideration. The new school semester starts on Nov. 27, rather than the initially scheduled Nov. 22. He said the authorities have realized that many students do not attend school immediately after the holidays. He also criticized students for not doing so. He said King Abdullah extended the holiday so that many students and parents could rest if they had been to perform Haj.
