The New Academic Year
The new academic year for all educational stages in schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education, as well as private schools, was preceded by a workshop organized by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Information.
Preparing for the new academic year poses a significant challenge for Kuwaiti families, as well as for the families of expatriates living in Kuwait. However, these challenges have intensified due to the regional circumstances, particularly the ongoing conflict between the United States, the Zionist entity, and Iran. This conflict has imposed various burdens on us, even though we have no direct involvement in it. Nevertheless, its negative repercussions are being felt across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The challenges facing families with school-going children are primarily financial and relentless, especially for low-income households, whether Kuwaiti or non-Kuwaiti. Many Kuwaiti families rely on pensions as their sole source of income, making school supply requirements for various subjects a heavy financial burden.
These demands do not cease with the start of the academic year, as some teachers instruct students to bring educational aids, which can be costly. This issue also affects female teachers, who often spend their own money on educational materials without expecting any return, driven solely by their commitment to delivering the best possible education. We salute all teachers who exert tremendous efforts in educating and nurturing our children, as teachers are the foundation of education, while other aspects such as school buildings, administration, and curricula are secondary.
Prices have been rising steadily, prompting many people to search for special offers on school supplies. However, such offers are scarce compared to the past seven years. We must not forget the role of cooperative societies, which provide stationery, pens, school bags, and other student necessities at relatively moderate prices, although this is not always the case.
A retired friend of mine informed me that he makes it a point to travel abroad during the summer to a country where he previously studied. He has many friends there who know when and where to find the cheapest back-to-school sales. Consequently, purchasing school supplies has become part of his summer tourism objectives, especially since he has many children and grandchildren.
I wish there were a small shop in every school selling stationery and some essentials at affordable prices, alongside the canteen or cafeteria that school administrators prioritize.
We also extend our appreciation to the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior for managing traffic flow, particularly as congestion is expected to increase due to employees commuting to their workplaces. This places significant pressure on patrol officers, a phenomenon that is global and not unique to Kuwait.
I hope that education proceeds smoothly this year with the presence of students, teachers, and administrators, and that we do not resort to remote learning. I firmly believe that face-to-face education and direct dialogue between teachers and students are far more effective.
The Ministry of Education, along with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant institutions directly involved in the smooth operation of the academic year, possess accumulated administrative, technical, and logistical expertise. This gives us a relatively comfortable position as we navigate the new school year.
