Latest news with #JalalAl-Tabtabaei
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Education ministry restarts summer school clubs after COVID suspension
Program offered free of charge • Only public school students eligible for enrollment KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education, through its Department of Educational Development and Activities, announced on Monday the relaunch of summer school clubs, set to run from July 1 to August 31. The program, which has been on hold since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is restarting for the first time in five years. In a press statement, the ministry said the move comes 'in line with directives from Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, who is keen to provide educational, recreational, and enrichment opportunities that allow students to make the most of their summer break.' The initiative also aims to 'foster community participation, enhance students' skills, and support their development in a safe and stimulating environment.' The program is part of what the ministry described as a 'broader strategic vision' to make meaningful use of students' free time. The goal is to 'help refine their talents and develop their abilities within a supportive educational setting that promotes positive values and the concept of time well spent.' A total of 25 free summer clubs will operate across Kuwait's educational districts. The clubs will offer a wide range of activities, including sports such as football, handball, basketball, swimming, and bowling; cultural activities like debate clubs; and scientific and technical programs, including robotics. The program will also feature 'purposeful recreational activities that strike a balance between learning and fun.' Registration opens Monday and will be available electronically via the student's account on the Microsoft Teams platform through the ministry's website. Activities are scheduled for the evening hours, from 4 pm to 8 pm, allowing 'flexibility and accommodating diverse family schedules.' The ministry also announced the allocation of two specialized clubs for students with disabilities, saying the decision ensures 'an inclusive educational environment that caters to their needs and supports their development in an atmosphere of respect and empowerment.' The program targets male and female students in general education across elementary, intermediate, and secondary levels who are enrolled in Ministry of Education schools. According to the ministry, all activities 'will be supervised by specialized trainers across various fields,' with content 'tailored to meet a wide range of interests and needs.' It stressed that 'all activities are offered free of charge, reflecting the ministry's commitment to providing fair and equal educational opportunities for all.' The ministry concluded by saying that the summer clubs are 'an extension of the ministry's year-round educational role,' and that they aim to 'reinforce a culture of continuous learning and national belonging through activities that connect students with community values and institutions in a flexible educational environment that inspires creativity and unlocks their potential.' — KUNA
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Final exams, summer term set to continue as scheduled in Kuwait amid regional tensions
KUWAIT: Kuwait's education authorities have confirmed that schools and universities will continue operations as scheduled, with emergency plans activated to ensure the safety of students, educators, and administrative staff. The statements come amid rising regional tension after the Zionist entity launched an unprovoked aerial bombing campaign on Iran Friday, striking military and nuclear facilities and reportedly killing dozens, including senior commanders and civilians. Iran responded with overnight missile and drone attacks on the Zionist entity, deepening instability across the region. Kuwaiti Authorities have moved swiftly to reassure the public that despite the volatile regional environment, academic operations—including final exams and the start of the summer term—will proceed without disruption, under heightened readiness and safety measures. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said on Saturday it is monitoring developments 'closely and in continuous daily coordination with the relevant authorities.' The ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and staff across its affiliated institutions. 'Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal has directed all affiliated entities to activate emergency plans and raise readiness levels at all levels,' the ministry said in a statement. 'It is crucial to maintain accurate and on-the-ground follow-up to ensure the safety of the academic community and the continuity of the educational process without interruption.' Emergency teams in universities and research institutions are said to be highly prepared and in direct coordination with civil defense and other national agencies to enable immediate response measures if needed. The ministry reassured students and parents that the summer academic term will begin as planned on Sunday, with all safety protocols in place. 'The summer semester will launch tomorrow as scheduled and in accordance with approved academic plans,' the ministry confirmed, adding that all educational institutions are on full alert to provide 'a safe and stable learning environment.' 90 shelter centers In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Education has announced the activation of field emergency plans and the readiness of 90 fully equipped shelter centers, currently under the supervision of civil defense teams. Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei held a virtual meeting on Saturday with educational leadership to review school readiness and ongoing safety coordination. He emphasized the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration to maintain safety and educational continuity. 'Emergency response teams in educational regions and schools are at a high level of readiness to respond to any incident,' the ministry said. 'This ensures the safety of students during final exams and protects teaching and administrative staff, while allowing the educational process to continue smoothly.' The ministry also confirmed that Grade 12 second-term final exams are proceeding without changes to the schedule. 'The second-term exams for Grade 12 students are continuing according to the approved timetable, with no modifications,' the ministry said. 'Exam operations and control procedures are running smoothly under the direct supervision of the minister and educational leadership.' Both ministries concluded their statements by assuring students and families that daily coordination with authorities is ongoing, and that all necessary precautions are being taken to protect the stability of the educational system. 'We pray that Kuwait, its leadership, and its people remain safe and secure,' both ministries said in closing remarks. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Families in Kuwait disheartened by off-campus graduation ban
Last-minute decision to restrict ceremonies to school auditoriums shatters seniors' graduation dreams KUWAIT: Sara had a lot to look forward to in the final stretch of her senior year. Soon, she would walk the stage she had dreamed of since first grade, with her family and friends cheering for her. For many students like Sara, preparing for graduation goes beyond studying for those crucial finals — it's also about the celebration afterwards. The excitement of choosing an outfit and planning how to mark the occasion is just as important as the academic achievement. But a recent ministry of education decision banning schools from holding graduation ceremonies outside school grounds has shattered Sara's dream, and that of many of her peers. In late April, Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei issued a directive requiring all graduation ceremonies and school events to be held on campus, specifically in school auditoriums. The ministry has not publicly explained the reasoning behind the decision. The announcement came just weeks before the school year ends. 'The decision was very last minute and it had us all shocked,' said Sara, a Kuwaiti graduating senior. 'We've been waiting since we were young for this celebration so we could feel appreciated for all the work that we put into school. Now it won't be the same.' 'Auditoriums are rundown' Wearing a cap and gown to mark years of hard work is a meaningful milestone anywhere in the world. But in Kuwait, graduation has become more than a simple school ceremony. In recent years, it has evolved into a lavish celebration, often held in five-star hotel ballrooms or exclusive event halls. Some ceremonies feature extravagant setups — red carpets, indoor fireworks and massive stage displays — far beyond what most school auditoriums can accommodate. As soon as exams conclude and certificates are handed out, a race begins to book prestigious venues — spaces once reserved for weddings and major public events. These celebrations are now planned with budgets that rival those for Eid or even wedding seasons. Laura, an expat mother whose daughter is set to graduate next year, said the decision to ban off-campus ceremonies has taken away some of that joy. 'For the students, I would think, if you work so hard sitting in those walls all day long, you don't want to celebrate your graduation at the same place. You don't want it to feel like recess,' she said. While the decision calls for holding the event at school auditoriums, critics say it doesn't address the fact that the facilities are often poorly maintained. 'The problem is that school auditoriums are rundown — they need funding and time to be renovated. At our school, the last graduating class to hold their ceremony on campus was before the invasion,' said Abdullah, a high school student, referring to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait 34 years ago. The ban is especially disappointing for Mariam, Sara's mother, who had hoped to share her daughter's big day with extended family — including siblings and grandparents. When schools host events on campus, attendance is typically limited to just two guests, usually the parents. External venues, by contrast, can accommodate hundreds, allowing families to invite more loved ones — though that often comes at a steep cost. Some parents told Kuwait Times they've paid up to KD 50 per guest. Many schools also offer sit-down dinners and professional photography, turning the occasion into a full-scale celebration. 'Graduation parties held outside are better organized and just nicer overall,' said Amina, a parent. 'Money shouldn't be the issue when it comes to celebrating your kids — especially high school grads.' 'Why go that far?' Yet over the years, many parents and observers have criticized these lavish ceremonies. Costs can climb into the hundreds or even thousands of Kuwaiti dinars per student. Families often feel pressured to keep up, and students from less affluent households may end up feeling excluded. 'Of course it's a celebration of a lifetime but it's not right to strain your pocket for a party,' said Noura, a mother of three and a grandmother. 'It's a huge chunk of money that's better spent elsewhere, especially if a family has two or three kids.' Laura acknowledges the financial burden, but said she believes the recent ban leaves families with no real alternatives. 'I think there are more affordable ways to do it — it doesn't have to be at a five-star hotel,' she said. She added that expectations are tied to the school's demographic. 'It depends on the kind of school you go to,' Laura said. 'If the fees are, say, six or seven thousand dinars a year, then most families can afford a more elaborate celebration. But if you're at a school that charges KD 500 or 600 a year, the expectations shift — you work around what your parent community can afford.' Noura said the expenses go beyond the ticket price. 'The young girls who spend tons of money on getting their hair and makeup done at a salon, as if going to a wedding — why go that far?' she said. 'A nice dress under your gown and your cap is enough to make you beautiful like a rose.' Still, some parents are trying to stay hopeful. 'At the moment, I'm kind of hoping they change their minds,' said Laura. 'We still have one year left. But if not, then I'll probably just arrange something small — maybe a dinner at a nice restaurant with some of her friends, our own little celebration.' Note: Kuwait Times has changed the names of people in this article to protect their identity.
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Forum urges inclusion of hearing-impaired in line with vision 2035
Women's Institute for Development and Peace (WIDP) organizes the fifth edition of the Kuwait Deaf Day Forum under the theme 'The Cry of the Deaf and Kuwait Vision 2035'. KUWAIT: The Women's Institute for Development and Peace (WIDP) organized the fifth edition of the Kuwait Deaf Day Forum under the theme 'The Cry of the Deaf and Kuwait Vision 2035,' highlighting the importance of empowering individuals with hearing disabilities and enhancing their integration into all sectors of society. Held on May 8 under the patronage and attendance of Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the forum took place at the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States. The event resulted in a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at upholding the rights of the hearing-impaired in education, healthcare, and employment. WIDP President Kawthar Al-Jouan told KUNA on Sunday that the forum put forth general, sector-specific, and health-related recommendations designed to support the inclusion of the hearing-impaired and affirm their right to self-determination. Al-Jouan stressed the importance of expanding educational opportunities for the deaf community, including access to Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). She also called for the creation of employment pathways tailored to this capable and distinguished segment of society. The forum featured four dialogue sessions with the participation of experts, specialists, and policymakers from Kuwait and Bahrain. Key recommendations included the employment of hearing-impaired individuals, admission of deaf students into the College of Basic Education, official recognition of Kuwaiti Sign Language as a second language, and revising school hours to align with public education needs. Additional proposals focused on utilizing retired teachers within the Special Education Department and appointing qualified sign language interpreters, with calls to provide financial rewards for their services. On the healthcare front, recommendations emphasized the importance of early detection of hearing loss, proper use of hearing aids, and granting individuals the right to seek medical treatment abroad when local options are unavailable. Al-Jouan concluded the forum by honoring participants from the Ministry of Education, the Educational Research Center for the Gulf States, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' Committee for Promoting Moderation, the Dean of the College of Education at Kuwait University, and the Director of the Special Education Schools Department, in recognition of their contributions to the forum's success. — KUNA
Arab Times
14-04-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Dust Storm Prompts Online Classes in Kuwait Schools
KUWAIT CITY, April 14: Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei has instructed students to attend online classes remotely on Tuesday due to the ongoing dust storm and unfavorable weather conditions. The Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to student safety while maintaining the continuity of education. It clarified that teaching and administrative staff will continue working from school premises, with classes being conducted via the Microsoft Teams platform. All required technical and educational measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and effective online learning experience.
