Dakahlia school under investigation for simulating Al-Rawdah attack

CAIRO – 29 November 2017: The administration of Al-Shaheed Yahya al-Adgham (Martyr Yahya al-Adgham) Preparatory School in Dakahlia governorate is being investigated by the Ministry of Education after allowing students to simulate the Al-Rawdah Mosque terrorist attack in Arish city Friday, November 24.

The school’s administration has claimed that the simulation was done to raise the students’ awareness of the terrorist threats and dangerousness of extreme ideologies. The act has been strongly criticized by several officials, media outlets, and members of parliaments, saying that these acts will increase violence within society.

Education Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Khairy affirmed in statements that the school’s administration was not granted any approval from the Ministry of Education. Khairy added that the latest issued instructions prohibit the use of any form of violence within schools.

Member of Parliament Magda Nasr said in statements to Egypt Today that children should never be used in any act containing violence or killing. “The ministry should implement strict regulations to manage student activities and never leave it up to the schools’ administrations,” she added.

MP Fayez Barakat also commented on the issue, suggesting that Parliament will be discussing the incident in a public session and plans on questioning Education Minister Tarek Shawky. “This incident requires opening an immediate investigation,” he added.

On Tuesday, several photos for children dressing like Al-Rawdah mosque victims and armed group members went viral on social media.The photos raised a lot of controversial feedback. Thos who commented demanded an investigation of the school administration.