Schools told to hold patriotic activities

In order to foster a sense of national pride, responsibility and patriotism among students, the UT Education Department has directed all schools, government as well as private ones, to conduct various activities on a regular basis from November 11.

The schools have been provided with a list of activities with a focus on the Independence struggle, Constitution, significant national events, patriotic songs and stories that reflect the country’s culture and values, which are to be held in the morning assembly or during the day in school.

Besides, holding competitions in quiz, essay and debate on patriotic themes; inviting veterans or freedom fighters to share their experiences, screening patriotic movies or documentary shows, creating a school display board on national issues and achievements, and asking students to design patriotic banners, logos or slogans will also be part of the new activity schedule in the schools.

Students will be taught to respect national symbols and the schools will follow the flag code by organising events to mark the days of patriotic importance, birthdays of martyrs and freedom fighters.

The teachers are supposed to encourage students to do critical thinking and discussions on national issues. They have also been directed to integrate patriotic values into daily teaching practices, stated a release by the UT Education Department.