13 November 2008

Most Dutch Islamic schools sub-standard
Today's De Telegraaf reports that research by the education ministry shows that most Dutch Islamic schools are sub-standard.

Eighty-six percent of the school boards are reportedly involved in financial mismanagement, including trips to Mecca.  

Deputy Education Ministers Sharon Dijksma and Marja van Bijsterveldt say that the quality of education at nearly half of the 41 Islamic primary schools is inadequate.

The two Islamic secondary schools in Amsterdam and Rotterdam are considered "weak to very weak".

Parents and children are often powerless because they have no say in the school boards' decisions.

The two deputy ministers say they will re-claim EUR 4.5 million in government subsidies because of financial irregularities, and legal steps have already been initiated against several schools.

Only three schools had their finances in order.

Young people feel they are spoiled
De Volkskrant reports that "Young people feel they're much too spoiled".

This is the rather surprising outcome of a study sponsored by the paper and public broadcasting corporation NCRV.

Young people are seriously concerned about 'the youth of today', they feel their peer group is being spoiled, encouraged too much to feel good about themselves, and therefore less inclined to be considerate towards others.

According to de Volkskrant, no less than two-thirds of young people between the age of 16 and 24 feel the balance between rights and duties has tilted in the wrong direction.   

Young people are generally seen as making too many demands without asking themselves what they could contribute to society.

The de Volkskrant/NCRV study also shows that younger generations are more likely to be narcissistic, which, it argues, is not necessarily a bad thing.

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