Al-Tabtabaei: Activating Financial Literacy Among Students

Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabataba’i emphasized the importance of strengthening financial literacy and instilling values of integrity and responsibility among students, stressing that education is not limited to imparting knowledge but extends to shaping the learner’s personality, developing their awareness, and embedding values that enable them to make sound choices and take responsible decisions regarding themselves, their community, and their country. This statement was made by Al-Tabataba’i during a speech at a ceremony honoring 103 schools participating in the “Banki” program for the 2025-2026 academic year, held at the Ministry of Education’s auditorium. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting programs that link education with practice and contribute to preparing students for life’s demands.

He clarified that the Ministry has integrated concepts such as safeguarding public property, rationalizing consumption, saving, and financial integrity into the curriculum from primary to secondary levels, following an educational progression that considers students’ ages and evolves with them across educational stages. Al-Tabataba’i commended the efforts of participating students, noting that the achieved results reflect their dedication and engagement with the program’s objectives. He also praised the role of teachers in guiding students, enhancing their participation, and helping them benefit from the activities and experiences offered by the program, thereby reinforcing these concepts among them.

On her part, Dr. Rana Al-Faris, Chairperson of the Public Authority for Combating Corruption (“Nizaha”), affirmed that the Authority’s partnership in the “Banki” program stems from a firm belief that building an honest society begins in childhood, through instilling values, reinforcing positive ethical behavior, and promoting social responsibility. Al-Faris stated, “Integrity is the first line of defense against corruption and mitigating its effects,” expressing her pride in the participating students and teachers and their role in creating impact and shaping future generations. She explained that the program represents a model of public-private partnership and coordinated efforts to serve society and build its capacities by investing in students as the true wealth and foundation of the nation’s future. She noted that the program’s success has led to the renewal of the partnership for the next five years, supporting its sustainability and enhancing its role in instilling integrity values and developing financial literacy among primary school students, while emphasizing the importance of continuing to invest in programs that combine education, values, and practical application.

For his part, Essam Al-Saqer, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait National Bank (KNB), stressed that investing in children’s education with sound financial management skills goes beyond knowledge acquisition; it extends to building a more aware generation capable of making responsible decisions, managing their resources wisely, and contributing to Kuwait’s economic and social development in the future.

The “Banki” program is one of the most prominent initiatives through which Kuwait National Bank, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has successfully transformed financial literacy concepts from a theoretical framework into an interactive educational experience close to students, combining knowledge and practice and enabling students to learn through doing, thereby enhancing their ability to save, manage resources effectively, and make sound financial decisions.