Teaching Tolerance--Living it instead of Reading about it

Our learning adventure for today was centered around what we can and CANNOT bring,say, do etc as to not offend the Muslim community and the Ministry of Education. Very, very interesting. Bottom line: It's their country and we have to respect their beliefs, no matter how different it is from our own.

Here's a brief synopsis from the Ministry's Censorship Department:
1. It is not permitted to expose students to topics, rferences, or textbooks that embody criticism or misconceptions about the Islamic Religion.
2. Referebnce books abuot religion in general, Islam in particular, should not be used unless they are approved by the administration.
3. Avoid discussions of sectarian nature and comparisons of the various religious beliefs.

Politics
Books and references that express any appreciation or sympathy toward Israel should not be used. The world "isreal" shoudl be struck out from all resouces and replaced by the word "Palestine". I'm not sure why but once I figure out who to ask, I'll get back to you.
Written or verbal criticism of the policies, values and traiditions of the State of Kuwait and its sovereignty is not allowed. (But it is okay to attack George Bush...I think)
Censorships
Pornography, pictures of women in swim suits, discussion of sexual relations is prohibited. David and I can hold hands in public, but that's it. And that might be questionable...

ALL MATERIALS that are used in the classroom must be sent for approval to the Ministry. No kidding, no fooling, no way out of it. So much for the two suitcases of textbooks, etc that David and I hauled across the world.

In case you're wondering, standards for a K-12 private school in Kuwait are much stricter than they are for public books sotres and private homes. Books mya be available in Kuwait but not allowed in a school. Parents may allow their children to read books that may not be allowed for use in school.

This Is what David and I signed up for, we knew this before we agreed to the jobs. But, as with much in life, it's still different living it than reading about it.

Stay tuned for further developments.