Al-Tabtabaei: Teachers Are the Pillar of Human Building and National Advancement

Kuwaiti schools celebrated “World Teachers’ Day” yesterday morning (Monday), which falls on October 5 every year, by organizing a number of educational events and activities that highlighted appreciation for the role teachers play in shaping generations and advancing the educational process. On this occasion, schools held ceremonies to honor teachers, recognizing their efforts and dedication in the educational field, alongside organizing cultural and educational competitions and diverse student performances, in which students participated to express their gratitude to their teachers for the efforts they make throughout their academic journey.

The celebration of World Teachers’ Day underscores the importance of the educational message teachers carry and honors their contributions to developing national cadres and building individuals, who are the foundation of development and progress in society.

A noble message

Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei stated that a teacher’s role is not limited to transmitting knowledge, but extends to building character, shaping awareness, instilling values, awakening ambition, and refining future leaders. He added in a speech on the occasion that in a world where knowledge is accelerating and artificial intelligence technologies are evolving, the teacher retains an irreplaceable human role. It is the teacher who believes in students’ capabilities, guides their thinking, strengthens their self-confidence, and instills in them a sense of belonging and responsibility.

Addressing teachers on this occasion, he said: “I convey to you all expressions of appreciation and pride, and I salute the noble message you carry, which has had and will continue to have the greatest impact on building individuals and the renaissance of nations.” He added: “This day is not merely an occasion to celebrate teachers, but a moment of loyalty and appreciation for those who have made their knowledge and dedication a mission, who view every student as a trust, and who see every success achieved by their students as an extension of their impact and mission.”

He emphasized that a teacher’s impact is not measured solely by what they provide within the classroom, but by what remains in their students’ lives years later and in every achievement they accomplish for their country. “From this belief, we place the empowerment and development of teachers at the core of the educational development process, and we view them as genuine partners in driving change and building Kuwait’s future.”

Continuing their dedication

He continued: “On this cherished occasion, I call on Kuwaiti teachers to continue their dedication with determination and sincerity, and to keep their love for Kuwait and sense of belonging to it as motivation for further giving and achievement, guided by the wisdom of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness the Prime Minister, and under the support and attention our political leadership gives to education and human development.”

Al-Tabtabaei expressed his gratitude “to every teacher” for their dedication, saying: “Thank you for every good seed you plant in our children’s hearts, for every mind you enlighten, for every ambition you awaken, and for every generation you help prepare to carry the trust of this nation.” He added: “Kuwait deserves the best from all of us, and your message will remain a pillar of its renaissance, your impact present in its generations, and your dedication extending into its future. May God protect Kuwait, its leadership, and its people, and may He guide us all to serve and elevate it. May Kuwaiti teachers, both male and female, continue to be a source of pride and honor.”

It is worth noting that Minister Al-Tabtabaei presided yesterday over the launch of the conference “The Scout Movement Between Volunteering and Economic Activity,” organized by the Kuwait Scout Association under his patronage.

The Scout movement as an educational partner in youth development

Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei stated that since its inception, the Scout movement has formed an important field in youth development, helping them acquire skills, and strengthening the spirit of initiative, teamwork, and community service in their hearts. He added in a speech during the launch of the conference “The Scout Movement Between Volunteering and Economic Activity,” organized by the Kuwait Scout Association under his patronage, that the Scout movement is today called upon to continue its role and develop its tools to keep pace with changes and ensure the sustainability of its mission.

He clarified that the conference, running until October 7, in collaboration with the Arab Parliamentarians Scout Union and the Arab Pioneers Union, aims to address an important topic related to the future and sustainability of scout work. It opens the floor for participating leaders and experts to exchange views and experiences on ways to develop scout work and enhance its resources, while preserving the essence of its voluntary, educational, and humanitarian mission and strengthening its role in serving youth and society.

He noted: “In Kuwait, we view the Scout movement as an important educational partner in building the personalities of our sons and daughters, given that it provides a practical environment where youth learn leadership, discipline, teamwork, initiative, self-reliance, and community service.”

He added that “from this perspective, the Ministry of Education is keen to support scout and student activities and enhance their role in the educational environment, as they represent a genuine space for transforming values and knowledge into practice and behavior, discovering learners’ capabilities, developing their talents, and instilling in them values of citizenship, belonging, and volunteering.”

Developing teachers’ capacities and curricula

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Khalid Al-Rashid stressed the importance of developing teachers’ capacities and curricula to improve students’ learning outcomes and enhance their scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

This came during his participation in the high-level regional dialogue on improving students’ learning outcomes in the Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa region, titled “Insights Derived from the 2025 PISA Results,” organized by the Arab Education Office for Gulf Countries in cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Riyadh.

Al-Rashid told KUNA that he emphasized during one of the dialogue sessions that teaching students how to think scientifically goes beyond merely adding an activity or experiment to a science lesson. He clarified that the main goal is to empower students to observe phenomena, ask testable questions, collect evidence, interpret results, and then revise their conclusions in light of the evidence they obtain.