Saudi educators warn students against destroying academic books

Provincial education ministry releases documentary to educate students about importance of books

After a video of elementary school students tearing and throwing their textbooks on the streets of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia went viral, the Department of Education in Eastern Province released a documentary advising students to preserve their books, the Saudi Gazette reported.

The Schoolbook – A Blessing to be Appreciated intends to educate students about the importance of books. Department Spokesperson Saeed Al Bahis said the “film advised the students to return all their textbooks to the school after the final exams.”



Around 241, 757 intermediate and secondary school students in the eastern province will attempt final examinations this week. Each year students mark the end of the term by tearing and throwing away their books.

Educationalists appearing in the video warn pupils against destroying their books. They also advised the ministry to implement laws bounding students to return textbooks to the school after every academic year, or they will not be provided with results. Emphasising that books should be respected and not “dumped in garbage bins”, the educationalists held families, school and the ministry responsible for the lack of knowledge in pupils.



Reacting to the incident in Tabuk, the ministry sacked the head of the said school – holding him responsible for the students’ actions. A move, which the principal intends to challenge as unfair termination – insisting he could not control the students once they leave the school premises.


Speaking to Al Eqtisadiah, educational supervisor Mohammad Al Harbe said throwing books away after finals is “negative conduct” and should be tolerated by the ministry of education. “Some books contain verses from the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s (PBUH) sayings and therefore throwing them away could be sacrilegious,” he said. “The government spends a lot of money to print and distribute these books, and we cannot reward it for this noble job by tearing up or throwing away these books.”

Schoolteacher Abdullah Al Subaie suggested that returning the books after finals be made obligatory on students who come to collect their results. “Special containers should be placed near schools where students can deposit their books,” he said.