Haniyeh Announces Free Education for Primary School Children in Gaza Strip

31 August 2007

Gaza - Ma'an – The deposed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, said on Friday that education for all primary school children in the Gaza Strip will be free.

He also announced he is giving 2000 NIS (500 US dollars) to all new teachers.

Haniyeh said he is determined to keep the education system away from political conflicts and therefore has agreed to the one day weekend for schools and education providers, proposed by President Mahmoud Abbas' government.

Haniyeh affirmed that his government will work on solving all the problems faced by teachers and is considering their grievances.

Muhammad Siyam, the head of the Teachers Union, called upon Haniyeh's government to make some education reforms and increase teachers' salaries to that of other state employees.