Education office wants schools to close

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Kendari Municipality Education Office called on local school principals on Friday to shut down their schools for the entire month of Ramadhan.

"This recommendation was made because experience shows that learning activities at schools are not effective during the holy month of Ramadhan," said Akib Thalha, the head of the education office.

During Ramadhan, most Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. They also wake up early to have sahur, the predawn meal.

Thalha said the recommendation of the education office was not binding, and schools were free to decide whether to shut down for Ramadhan or continue with lessons as usual. -- Antara