The Australian and American embassies have issued a warning to teachers at international schools due to a post on a jihadist forum that has encouraged attacks against teachers. Among the countries targeted in the warning are; Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Sudan, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia. It makes specific mention of two schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (American International School and Advanced Generations School).
In situations like this it is best to expect the best and plan for the worst. This is of course something that we don’t want to think about. But rather than worry about it alone, talk to your school principal and parents association about their safety and security procedures. It may put your mind at rest or give you an opportunity to discuss their current procedures and how staff are trained in them.
If your child is in an international school, share with us what safety and security procedures the school currently has in place. Have there been any changes in safety and security procedures since the new security warning?
Image from Image from Flickr user alamosbasement.
Maree has over five years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety and in the development of safety standards, training workshops and improvement initiatives. She is passionate about health, safety and education. Maree, a mother of two children, has a Advanced Diploma in OHS and will be graduating soon with a B.Sc. (HSE) from Australia.