By Seedy Jobe
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) on Tuesday announced a ban on students soliciting donations in public, citing concerns over child exploitation and the safety of children in the country’s education system.
In a statement, the ministry highlighted reports that students from Quranic Memorization Centers, known as Daaras, as well as Madrassas, were approaching pedestrians on streets and beaches to request donations—often while wearing school uniforms.
“This practice not only compromises the dignity of these children but also violates principles of child protection and their right to receive an education in a safe and supportive environment,” the ministry said.
The ban applies to all students, regardless of the type of school they attend, and explicitly prohibits them from soliciting funds in public spaces. Authorities emphasized that students should never be sent to gather donations while in uniform, warning that such practices could expose children to potential abuse or involvement in criminal activity.
“The ministry bans these actions, especially when the students are in their school uniforms, and reminds all stakeholders that no student, whether from Daaras, Madrassas, or conventional schools, should be sent to public spaces to solicit donations of any kind,” the statement underscored.
MoBSE called on parents, guardians, school administrators, and community leaders to actively protect children and ensure their rights are upheld. The ministry also encouraged the public to report incidents of students soliciting donations to the nearest Regional Education Directorate so that authorities can take appropriate action.
“We also request that members of the public report any such incidents so that appropriate actions can be taken in collaboration with relevant authorities,” the statement concluded.
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