6 Mar 6, 2010 - 1:52:16 PM
Somalia's hardline insurgents Al-Shabaab controlling the southern Somali town of Afmadow have banned English and Science studies in schools after the education centers reportedly ignored their call for fighters, residents and teachers reports.
At least three schools, which include Wamo, Dhobale iyo Cisman Max'ud, have been given one month notice to comply with the order of switching the curriculum to accommodate Arabic and Islamic studies instead of the two subjects.
“They told that English is for infidels (westerners) and their backers. The education should be based on Arabic, or you would face the consequence,” said a teacher who requested anonymity.
Ali Mowlid Mohamud, a clan elder in Afmadow told Reuters news agency that Al-Shabaab the three schools have been given a 30 days ultimatum to implement the decree or face closure.
"The schools that are affected by the decree have been closed for few hours last week, but they were later ordered to implement the decree within 30 days,” he said.
The group also wants schools to contribute students to their militia so that they can join the fight against the UN-backed government.
Al-Shabaab, which is in the list of Washington’s most wanted foreign terrorist group, wants to overrun the Horn of African nation and subject it to strict version of Sharia Law.
GAROWE ONLINE
