To Mr. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Tantawi... with appreciation
Life is a vast book; those who turn its pages witness many deeds and gain insight into numerous ideas, diving into the depths of this world to extract wisdom and derive lessons. They navigate the waves of thought, which rise and subside, drawing from them meanings and insights that help them carve their path through the complexities of worldly affairs.
The article focuses on numerous ideas, noble goals, and profound concepts regarding the care, preparation, training, and empowerment of individuals with special needs. These ideas reflect the paternal spirit that characterizes special education teachers, who view human potential as a field from which holistic individual development can emerge.
Indeed, this is a beautiful perspective, akin to gazing at a lamp from which one draws all goodness for the sake of human development and the advancement of humanity.
Yes, he worked alongside his colleagues in special education schools to hone talents, guide ideas, and focus on preparing the younger generation for mature goals, while working to integrate them into society so they can interact with it and become productive members.
He emphasized the individual’s capacity to participate in societal domains, leveraging their abilities to contribute to the development and progress of society. He focused on the academic fields of students, turning activities into avenues for growth.
His vision was that students should not remain in a single location to receive information, but rather move among various facilities, including video rooms and diverse classrooms equipped with tools that enhance and facilitate the teaching and learning process.
How magnificent is this towering educational edifice in the field of special education, which is considered the first of its kind in the Arab world.
The Kuwaiti teachers, who are part of this institution, authored books in this field, a feat unmatched by anyone else in the Arab world.
I recall an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, where we met Dr. Fathi Sorour, who was the Minister of Education at the time.
We presented him with a copy of the special education books. He looked at them and said, “This is a monumental effort,” and urged his colleagues in Egypt to exert efforts to author similar books in this field.
Because a rising and developing nation is one that cares for its weakest members, and it is the diligent teacher in this field who places the students’ welfare as the paramount concern in the process of holistic individual development.
Salutations to all those engaged in this field, who devote their primary focus to the comprehensive and integrated development of their students across all domains, relying on their abilities, aptitudes, and interests. They ensure that the vocational specialties taught to these students align with their capabilities and meet the needs of the local labor market, producing competent individuals who unite with their peers to contribute to the edifice of our beloved Kuwait, which has given us so much, and which we must all help build.
Gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Tantawi for his excellent book, and thanks to all the dedicated professionals working in the field of special education. My gratitude also extends to my colleagues who have worked and continue to work in schools for students with intellectual disabilities, offering the best of their hearts and minds to foster the development of good citizens.
Long live the dedicated individuals who strive for the development of the nation’s youth and create opportunities for all capabilities to contribute to construction and prosperity.
