Key issues such as the role of education, the current status of teachers and reform in education were among the key topics discussed in Muscat, Oman, on November 2, 2008, during the 4th Meeting of the Ministers of Education in the Middle East and North Africa Region. A number of experts in education from the MENA region underlined the importance of providing teachers with training and professional development programs as well as reviewing their financial status. The need to develop the education system, curricula, school buildings and modern technology were also among the topics discussed. UAE Education Minister Hanif Hassan highlighted ministry plans which focus on the vital role played by teachers in conveying knowledge as well as facilitating and producing that knowledge, while Dr. Abdullah Al Amiri, adviser to the minister, indicated that teachers’ incentives occupied a large part of the discussions.

By Staff