Development of Education in Saudi Arabia - Term Paper Example

Development of Education in Saudi Arabia It is undisputable that the wealth of any country depends on its people. In light of this, the potential of development of a country is based on its ability to develop and exploit its human resource. Human resource development determines the economic path a country follows and is critical for the betterment of the lives of the present and future generations.i Provision of quality and affordable education is the surest strategy that governments should pursue in ensuring human resource development. Saudi Arabia government is alive to this fact and invests significant investments in its educational program covering elementary, secondary and higher education. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies about 80 per cent of the Arabian Peninsula having a total area of 2, 2400,000 km2.ii They note that the population in Saudi Arabia is largely skewed with statistics showing that Saudis aged who are 14 and below account for 40 percent for a country with a total population of 27 million. This means that the country should invest heavily in education and health sector to guarantee proper upbringing for its young generation. Previously, the Arabian Peninsula existed as different parts until 1932 when King Abdulaziz Ibn Saudi was recognized the king of Saudi Arabia having taken over control of Hejaz, Sultan Nejd and the Dependencies in 1926.iii The kingdom did not have a formal educational system until 1369/70 AH (1949/50 AD).iv Prior to introduction of a formal educational system, traditional educational was followed known as ‘’kuttab’’. In this form of education, the schools were only open to boys although young girls could be allowed to attend kuttabs.v However, girls were to learn from their homes. The education system was established following massive support and lobbying from Prince Fahd Ibn Abdel Aziz who later became a king. The education system in Saudi Arabia is based on religion.vi Saudi Arabia developed its educational policy based on a formula that is relevant to all societies as postulated by Arnold Anderson. Anderson explained that in provision of education every society have an objective of meeting three basic requirements which include: capability to offer training to those to utilize such skills; equal opportunity for all members of the society and offer respect an individual’s right to choice in education thereby allowing flexibility.vii This paper will assess development of education in Saudi Arabia. It will first provide an overview of economic development in Saudi Arabia followed by a discussion on the advancement of the various institutions involved with ensuring provision of quality education such as ministry of education and advancement in elementary, high school and higher education. Additionally, the paper will seek to discuss advancement of private and sector education sectors and how women education is perceived in the country as an indicator of equality. Lastly, the paper will bring out the governmental scholarship plans and their benefits to the society. Saudi Arabia has experienced steady and significant economic development parallel to political and societal change.viii The country posted a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 6.8 percent in the last year’s fiscal year. The country has posted impressive GDP ratings given that between 1968 and 2010, Saudi Arabia has had an average quarterly figure of 5.03 percent. Prior to the establishment of the modern Saudi Arabia kingdom in 1932, the society largely depended on agriculture and trade; exporting dates and trading with pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah.ix The country was devoid of any infrastructure necessary to support economic growth. However, things took a dramatic twist in 1938 with discovery exploitable of oil deposits and after the Second World War, oil exports helped the country acquire the necessary resources to implement infrastructural developments building world class roads, schools, hospitals and seaports. About 80 percent of the government comes from oil, contributes to 45 percent of the total GDP and accounts for about 90 percent of the total export earnings. x In 1970, Saudi Arabia adopted a strategy of implementing economic development through five year development programs. The five year development programs were seen as a sure way of building a modern society and economy that is able to produce industrial and consumer goods that were previously sourced outside.xi The infrastructure was further expanded allowing the trade and industrial development to progress. Saudi Arabia is currently one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In congruence to the economic development, Saudi Arabia has witnessed changes in its administrative and political system. The kingdom has changed from ha monarchy to formalize Islamic system where popular consultation is upheld. This occurred when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul-Aziz made efforts to revive the political system to concur to the requirements of a modern society. This has resulted in greater participation of the electorate in determining the path that their country follows.xii The economy of Saudi Arabia is supported largely oil exports. However, given the finite nature of oil reserves; Saudi Arabian’s government has taken precaution to diversify its economic activities. In 2008, non-oil GPD was estimated at $223 billion which was a 4.5 percent growth. Moreover, exports from non-oil products rose to $ 2.7 billion in May of 2008 compared to $ 2.3 billion in the same period in 2007.xiii To further support diversification of the economy, the country has made strides in privatization of its vital sectors through strategic plans. Indeed, the economic strategic plans adopted for the period between 1990 and 2000 aimed at facilitating privatization. The sectors that are under the process of privatization include: telecommunication, desalination, aviation, highway management, education services, governmental hotels and municipal services.xiv The country’s airline is world class and efforts continue to be made to ensure that the seaports are competitive. To create foster further investments, the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Law was passed in 2003 which has led to increased participation of the citizens in the stock market. The law led to establishment of Saudi Arabian Securities and Exchange Commission to safeguard the interests of investors by licensing brokers and capital market and at present the Saudi Arabian Stock Exchange (SASE) is the biggest in the region looking at the annual turnover.xv Moreover, a law was passed to promote foreign investment. The management of the educational system in Saudi Arabia falls squarely on the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education and General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training (GOFEVT).xvi Other authorities that oversee educational matters include Ministry of Defense and Aviation, Ministry of Interior and Presidency of the National Guard. Supreme Committee for Educational Policy formed in 1963 is the overall authority supervising education in Saudi Arabia.xvii The Ministry of Education has a long history of changes. Prior to the creation of this ministry, Directorate of Education had been formed in 1925 followed closely by the formation of Basic Instructions established in 1926. A new dawn in modern education came in 1953 when Ministry of Education was established. During its formation, the ministry was known as Ministry of Educational Disciplines but changed later to become the Ministry of Education following a Royal Decree.xviii The first minister in this docket was the late King Fahd bin Abdul-Aziz. Following its formation, the Ministry of Education strived to expand and modernize the educational resources. More schools were opened and access to public education improved throughout the country. Given the rapid expansion, the Ministry of Education created school districts in various parts of the country to aid the Ministry in discharging some of its responsibilities. The aims of formation of Ministry of Education were to ensure that every citizen within the learning age got equal chance in education based on their abilities and to come up with projects catering for the needs of the Ministry including construction of classes and renovation of educational facilities. Moreover, the ministry was tasked with the mandate of improving the education system to respond to the requirements of the society.xix The main responsibilities of the Ministry of Education were to ensure that education was free. Consequently, students were provided with transport, food and textbooks for free. In the higher education, students were given free accommodation and monthly allowances to meet their needs. Moreover, students from poor backgrounds were given monthly allowances regardless of their level. In 1958, education system in the country had grown tremendously and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia together with other members of Arab League made an agreement to enforce a uniform educational system having 6-years at elementary, 3 year intermediate and a 3 year period in the secondary level. Higher education however remained a separate program.xx The most notable achievements of the Ministry of Education immediately after inception include the development of its administration plan, building of schools and laid foundation for the chartering of King Saud University in Riyadh. In 1975, the Ministry of Higher Education was formed as a separate entity from the Ministry of Education.xxi This followed more focus on higher education in the country. The responsibilities of the ministry of education were to propose formation of higher institutions of learning and chartering them to ensure that they offer courses that are relevant to the needs of the country. The Ministry of Higher Education was supposed to administer universities and colleges with the country. In 2002, the Ministry of Education was given the role to supervise the public education for all men and women in all stages at all levels. Moreover, the Ministry has the role of supervising teachers’ colleges and has several regional educational administrative divisions.xxii Before joining elementary level, a child may go through kindergarten although this is not a condition and these institutions are not ranked in the official education ladder. The first level in the education system of Saudi Arabia is elementary schools where a student is supposed to spend six years. Although a child should have six years before admission of into an elementary school, they may accept children who are three months or 6 Gregorian calendar. A child is admitted into an elementary school at the age of six years. The first government in Saudi Arabia was created in 1925 and in 1939; the schools in the country became what are now viewed as complete elementary school.xxiii By 1949, there were 182 elementary schools and the total enrollment 21,409 pupils. There has been remarkable advancement in the number of students enrolled in elementary schools and in 2007; there were 2442482 students. Elementary education for girls began in 1961 with the signing of the General Presidency policy on Girl’s Education in the same year.xxiv At this level emphasis are laid in teaching the child Islam and Arabic languages. The subjects taught include history, mathematics, geography, and science. There is national exam administer to select the students who transit to the next level. Following successful completion of elementary school, a child transits into intermediate educational level where one takes three years. At the intermediate level, students learn general education subjects in addition to Arabic and Islam. Subjects studied at this level include English, Science Mathematics, Art Education, physical education and history. Girls and boys are not allowed to mix and at the intermediary level, girls go for feminine education instead of physical education..xxv In 1982, the examination structure in elementary and intermediate schools was left at individual schools rather than the central government. This level has also advanced significantly as evidenced by high enrollment levels where in 2007, there were 1,144,548 pupils. The number of girls is however lower than that of women. xxvi In 1937, Saudi Arabia started the secondary-level education where the first high school was Saudi Institution which had been opened in 1926.xxvii Secondary school education started at almost the same time as the Foreign Mission Preparatory school opened in 1937 with the purpose preparing Saudi students for admission to Egyptian Universities. In 1950s and 1960s, the government embarked on expansion of secondary system to respond to the industrial and commercial growth in the country.xxviii There are generally three types of secondary schools; Quranic, general and Vocational. Quranic secondary school was first launched in 1977 although in 1975 the Ministry of Education developed its first comprehensive high school to experiment on modern secondary schools. Three more such schools were established in 1978 and 1977 in cities within the country with intention of providing students with skills required for employment and in meeting their own needs and those of the society.xxix Moreover, this schools sort to give students a chance to select activities and courses they intended to purse and offer them career guidance. However, this was changed in 1983 with the coming of developed schools which allowed students to select courses based on the interests. This program did not last for long as it was changed in 1993 given its negative social impacts to the students and the society in general. A student takes three years in this level. University and higher education in Saudi Arabia The demands for higher education in Saudi Arabia have been on a raise over the last few years. The demand is due to the emergence of education based economy. The development and emphasis on the significant of primary and secondary education have also been reported to impact on the advancement of the kingdom higher education. The enrolment of student in higher education is expected to keep on rising over the coming years. The 2010-2014 periods is expected to experience over 9% rise in student enrolment in higher learning institutions. The main financial contributor in higher education is the government. The government provide financial assistant to all student who are willing and proficient to carry on with higher education after completing secondary school education. The government raise budget to facilitate the higher education infrastructure construction and other requirements in higher education. The higher education budget has been escalating over years. It rose from SR96.7 billion in 2007 financial year to SR150 billion in 2011 financial year.xxx Higher education sector have been getting over twenty five percent of shares in the entire budget expenditure. According to the Saudi Arabia ministry of higher education, there have been an increased in the number of students going in United States of America, Australia and United Kingdom to proceed with their education. The government through the ministry of higher education cater for the tuition and maintenance expenses for student who prefers studying in Western countries. Universities in Saudi Arabia also collaborate with other higher institution in the developed country to advance the kingdom education level. As a result of this, all the players in higher education sector are working towards improving the sector to fit in the kingdom economy.xxxi Kingdom Saudi university was the first university to operate in Saudi Arabia. However, there have been several university established in the last few years. The Saudi Arabian universities are subdivided into department and colleges. To back up higher education in the kingdom, the ministry of higher education have legalised community and private universities and colleges. There are also women universities and colleges. On the other hand, some government institutions and agencies proffer specific higher education to their employees. Some advanced colleges and universities offer distance learning to student who cannot access their institutions. The main courses offered by Saudi Arabia higher education institutions are science courses and social sciences and humanities courses. xxxii Higher education institutions are managed by the ministry of higher education. The ministry have the mandate of implementing the agreed higher education policies, rules, and regulations in the kingdom. The ministry also chairs the council’s of all government universities and some private universities which are affiliates of government universities. However, the ministry of higher education does not have the mandate of supervising all private higher education institutions. Other government institutions have the consent of supervising institution which is in their speciality. The most commonly known universities in Saudi Arabia are Um al Qura university in Mecca, king Faisal University situated in Hafouf and Dammam, king Fahd University for minerals and oil which is located at Dhahran, king Saudi university situated in Riyadh, King Abd Al Aziz University located in Jeddah, the Islamic university which is found in medina, and Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic university located in Riyadh.xxxiii Currently, over 90% of the Saudi Arabian students study in public education sectors. Public education sectors are managed by three different authorities. The ministry of education supervises the general education, special trainings, teachers’ education and training and adult training. The ministry of higher education is in charge of university institutions, and the entire technical education. The development and advancement of vocational and technical programs is managed by vocational training authority. In public education sector, education from kindergarten to tertiary level is free for Saudi Arabia residents. Owing to the unavailability of pre-primary, many students start off their education at primary level. Public education sector in Saudi Arabia is at its advanced development level. Currently, it has more than twenty universities, a good number of training institutions and over 24,000 primary and secondary schools. There are scholarships for students who want to pursue their studies outside Saudi Arabia. In this regard, public sectors offer significant number of scholarship to students who study in western countries every year.xxxiv The private education sector in Saudi Arabia is common to the wealth elites in the kingdom. There are over 840 private schools which offer education to over 160,000 students. In 2005, there were more than 12 private universities and colleges. The number is greater at present due to the increase in private investors in the education sector. Private sectors also get financial assistance from the government. They also play an exceptionally significant role in changing the cultural perception on women education. There is a body which have the consent of supervising private education sector in Saudi Arabia. The ministry of higher education is responsible for universities while secondary, primary and intermediate private schools are supervised by the ministry of education. The initiatives offered by the government to private education sector have significantly encouraged private investors in education sector. Private sectors are critically scrutinised and regulated by responsible government agencies. They are expected to match their activities with the curriculum set up by the ministry of education. However, private sectors are fighting for policies that will allow them to be flexible in their curriculum. Private schools in Saudi Arabia are also expected to abide by Islamic requirements. There has been a considerable progress in education among Saudi Arabian women. The government have improved its effort of ensuring women get access to education. The government is also dedicated in eliminating the gender disparities experienced in education institutions in Saudi Arabia. Women education has brought about numerous social developments in the kingdom. The advancement of the health status, nutrition, and reduction of the mortality and fertility has a credit from advancement in women education. There has been a significant increase in the number of women in the work in the recent past. Nevertheless, community tradition, social norms, and social institutions have been the greatest impediment in the government effort of enhancing equality in education sector. Emphasis on women education is the main objective of Saudi Arabia government despite of the emerging social challenges.xxxv The Saudi government have spent a lot of resources in the past few years in enhancing women education. There has been immense increase in the number of girls’ school in the country. However, most of the resources set aside for girls’ education have been used in infrastructure building and hiring of teachers. Very few resources have been used in explaining to the public the significant of women education. Overemphasis on infrastructure and hiring of teachers has as a result reduced the quality of education offered to Arabian women. There has been great differences between the kinds of skills and competent provided by girls learning institutions and the skills required in the market. Lack of the required skills and knowledge among Arabian women has led to increased unemployment among the educated women in the kingdom. To achieve its objective of improving girls’ education, the Saudi Arabia government need to make sure there is equality in the quality of education offered in the public institutions between boys and girls. This is to enhance advancement in girls’ education to higher learning institutions as well as enhancing social insertion, employment promotions and productivity in the work place.xxxvi Despite of the government effort of advancing women education in Saudi Arabia, there has been social construction that women are not supposed to access education and employment. There is therefore need for a supple perception of women participation in education and in work force. Social constructions have therefore the greatest hindrances to the government in achieving its intended objective of enhancing equal education to all Arabia citizens. Good perception on women education can generate more job opportunities among women in Saudi Arabia. Many society members do not advocate for women education. Although the government and other agencies are working toward facilitating women education, the general public are still reluctant in embracing the initiative. The complication in embracing women education in Saudi Arabia has been brought about by the unique social and economic characteristic of the Arabia country. As a result, there is need to build a balance between the community’s needs and proficient involvement of women in social development.xxxvii The Saudi Arabia government initiated a plan to provide equal education in 1990s by providing sufficient amount of fund to girls’ education in all stages. In 1999-2000, the allocation of girls’ education was almost equal to that allocated to boys. Women education allocation surpassed boys’ allocation in the following financial years. From 2,000, the government provides education opportunities in all education levels. According to the government statistics, the number of women students who enrolled for university education in 1995 to 1996 was 93,486. In 2005-2006 academic year, the number rose to 340,857. To emphasis on the imperative of women education in Arabia, the government have emphasised more on vocation training for women. In 2004-2005, the number of vocational institutions for women was 27 and it enrolled over 3408 women. This institution offered home economy. Others more than 51 institutions were introduced in the same academic year to offer sewing course to over 2,218 women students. During the same academic year, private sectors also launched private universities and schools for women and girls. Private institutions were managed by the ministry of education. Currently, there are a significant number of school and university which offers various skills to women in Saudi Arabia. Private sectors and government have spent a lot of resources on women education.xxxviii Saudi Arabia is one of the kingdoms commonly known for granting scholarship to its students in all education level. The Saudi Arabian government spend significant amount of their resources in both primary and secondary education sector. Lack of the required skills and competent in their economy was the core aspect which necessitated the introduction of the plan. Government scholarship plan was therefore aimed at ensuring a large number of the country population have access to the required skills and competent. Before the introduction of the plan, the country used to hire very expensive skills from other countries. The introduction of the scheme was also aimed at ensuring every individual in the economy get the maximum benefit from the natural resources available in the kingdom. In public sectors, education is free from primary school to university level. The schools and private infrastructures are constructed from the scholarship granted by the government to individual students. Students who desire to continue with their education to the university level are granted full scholarship throughout their four years in university. The scholarship caters for tuition fees accommodation and other social amenities required by a student. There is also full scholarship for the students who would wish to study in other countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, and Australia. International education scholarship caters for full student tuition fee accommodation, food and commuters fee. There is also scholarship plan for the students who aspire to study master and PHD in their areas of specialization. The scholarship includes the entire requirement in this education level.xxxix The government also offers scholarship for the students who study in private institutions. In this case, the students are not granted full scholarship. Students who have studied in private learning institution and would wish to continue with their higher education in private sectors are also grated full scholarship. On the other hand, the government grants scholarship student in private institutions pursuing master and PHD in their institutions. There is also plan for the student who studied in private institutions in Saudi Arabia and desire to further their education in international universities.xl Government scholarship is one of the most reflective initiatives of Saudi Arabia government. Economically, the scholarship have brought into the economy the required skills and competent. Currently, the kingdom is not hiring external skills and competent. A good number of the Saudi Arabia citizens have been assisted by the government through education scholarship to get the required knowledge in the economy. The economy has therefore to a great extent benefited from the scheme. Increased number of learning institutions has been brought about by the government scholarship on students. Some of the scholarship funds are used to build schools and other learning institutions. There has been increased in the number of student attending both private and public learning institutions. The increase in the number of students under study has been brought about by the government scholarship plan. There has been rise in number of women in the learning institution. Public members are with time understanding the important women education in the country economy.xli In conclusion Saudi Arabia like any other country in the world gives significant consideration to the education system given its important role in the society. Advancement in education system has been pushed by the need of by government to ensure that youths grow to self reliant and able to support the industrial and commercial development in the country. The first formal system of education was started in 1948 where previously students attended kuttabs but girls were discriminated and learnt from their homes. The child goes through elementary school started in 1939 and then transits to intermediately school. There has been high enrollment rate for both girls and boys at all stages of education. Secondary schools have gone through numerous changes from comprehensive to 'developed’ and back to comprehensive schools. The number of student joining university education in Saudi Arabia has risen significantly. This is as a result of increased university institutions in the kingdom as well as frequent scholarship in the kingdom. The government sponsor both international and, local university education. The quality of university education has also been improved due to increase in university competition. Saudi Arabia government also emphasized more on women education. There are numerous schools and other higher learning institutions designed for women academic interests. The quantity of women student is increasing over time. In 2005, the amount of women attending public institutions were reported to be more that of men. However, the government and other involved stakeholders have a role of changing the perception of the public toward women education. Government scholarships have a great significant on both individual performance and the entire economy. Bibliography Al-Ahmadi, Hanan. 2009. Factors affecting performance of hospital nurses in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. International journal of health care quality assurance 22, (1): 40-54 Al-Sarhan, Mohammed, and John R. Presley. 2001. Privatization in Saudi Arabia: An attitudinal survey. Managerial Finance 27, (10): 114-122, http://search.proquest.com/docview/212660814?accountid=45049 (accessed May 2, 2012). Alshumaimri, Ahmed, Taylor Aldridge, and David B. Audretsch. 2010. 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