The Minister of Education inaugurates the Student Arts Festival in celebration of the Foundation Day

The Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, inaugurated the "Student Arts Festival" at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh, coinciding with the national celebrations of "Founding Day," which falls on February 22nd each year. The festival witnessed wide participation from male and female students from across the Kingdom's public education system, who presented artistic paintings and creative works reflecting their deep sense of patriotism and pride in the nation's glorious history.

A tour through the corridors of history and heritage

Minister Al-Bunyan conducted a comprehensive tour of the festival's various sections, viewing the students' creative output, which ranged from visual arts and heritage models to live performances. The festival was distinguished by its meticulous recreation of the historical environment of the founding era, featuring a section dedicated to Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state, and pavilions showcasing horses and falcons, integral parts of the Arabian Peninsula's cultural heritage. The festival also included displays of traditional costumes and handicrafts, all skillfully presented by the students.

Founding Day: A Historical Depth and a Civilizational Message

These events are of particular importance as they coincide with the celebration of the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1139 AH (1727 CE). This occasion provides an opportunity to recall the Saudi state's more than three-century-long existence, marked by resilience, unity, and stability. The Ministry of Education's commitment to holding this festival stems from its desire to connect younger generations with this historical depth and to familiarize them with the sacrifices and efforts made by imams and kings to establish the foundations of the security and prosperity that the Kingdom enjoys today.

Promoting national values ​​and the goals of the vision

The Student Arts Festival is not merely a celebratory event; it also carries significant educational and strategic dimensions that align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the program for strengthening Saudi identity. The festival aims to:

• Strengthening national identity: by integrating students into interactive activities that make them part of the historical event.
• Talent development: Providing students with the opportunity to express their patriotic feelings through innovative artistic methods.
• Linking the past and the present: Drawing inspiration from the authentic values ​​of the founding history and reflecting them on the reality of students and their future.

During the festival, the ministry headquarters was transformed into a living educational and historical platform, where students provided detailed explanations about their participation, highlighting bright aspects of ancient social and cultural life, reflecting an early awareness among the youth of the value of their history and the capabilities of their homeland.