Totally Agree but not necessarily Sharia
"Call to make teaching of Shariah mandatory in all expat schools
Teaching of Shariah and Arabic language should be made mandatory for all expatriate schools in Doha, local educationists and preachers have said.
In a survey conducted by the Arrayah Arabic newspaper, they said the syllabus of these schools should be subject to supervision and control so as to make sure they follow Islamic and national values."
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=408874...
.....
In order to teach religion effectively there has to be comparatives. What I mean by this; when explaining to children the various nuances of religious beliefs one has to show a comparative and what that comparative means to that particular religion. If we are going to go down the route of teaching religion in this country we are going to have teach ALL religions; in order to get the history, culture and meanings of what each religion means to that particular one and how in some cases some religions are tied to each other through geographical circumstances and culture and how indeed they came to be that Religion. There will have to be healthy debate and in some cases at High School level, debate as in e.g. Islam and Christianity. Would that work? I think in ex-pat schools it may but in some local private schools, I doubt it.
However; if by religious education they mean telling a few stories from Koran to incite a healthy interest in the local religion, it could work.
I am all in favour of Arabic being taught to those children who shown an interest; I don’t think it should be mandatory though as some people are not good at second/third languages and this may add pressure to what is a very pressurised day to some school children.
It's fine. Learning something doesn't necessarily mean you have to apply it all in your daily life anyways. But I think learning the Arabic language is much more important.
I totally agree... lets our children learn about Arabic and Islam.... there is no harm..
No, they are private schools and they should teach what they want. They dont need shariah and islamic values to be forced on them. What the hell kinda mentality is that? Arabic? Sure, to promote communication and discourse between expats and arabs. But shariah teachings? Not everyone is a Muslim, so they would not be interested.
Expat schools here, at least the Western ones, DO teach Arabic. And Islamic studies. Islamic studies only for Muslims, of course. They also teach Qatari history, and that is mandatory for all students. Well, at least the school my child goes to does.
I do not know about the non Western Expat schools.
I salute you for coming up with this idea. I think not necessarily Sharia but basic arabic language (reading and writing )should be taught
in the school. In UAE its of part school curriculum including expats school. I was surprised when I moved here that not even one single arabic subject required by Qatar Education Council.
Please go on with your ideas...thanks