'Ithra': The journey of education in Kuwait from traditional schools to artificial intelligence
Opening of the 'Ithra' education exhibition in Kuwait, attended by ministry officials.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabatabai presided over the opening of the “Erth” (Heritage) exhibition on education in Kuwait, which launched on Monday in the ministry’s lobby and will run until Thursday. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Khaled Al-Rashid and Director General of the General Administration of Artistic Guidance, Research, and Curricula Mohammed Al-Otaibi. The exhibition features educational and artistic contributions that reflect the history of education in Kuwait, highlight its developmental milestones, and look ahead to its future prospects.
The exhibition offers a visual and intellectual experience that documents the journey of education in Kuwait, beginning with traditional Quranic schools (kuttabs) as the earliest beginnings of formal learning, moving through historical milestones and major transformations the country has witnessed—including the period of the brutal Iraqi invasion and the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic—up to recent technological advancements and the future prospects of artificial intelligence in education.
Muntaha Al-Ali, Director of the Artistic Guidance Department for Art Education, stated that the “Erth” exhibition embodies the importance of documenting the history of education in the State of Kuwait and showcasing its historical and developmental milestones. This effort aims to strengthen awareness of the national educational heritage, connect generations with the history and achievements of education, and highlight recent developments and future trends in the educational field.
For her part, Amaal Haydar, Art Education Supervisor for the Al-Jahra Educational Zone, emphasized that Art Education’s participation in the exhibition included a diverse range of artworks and creative outputs that reflect the importance of continuous training in developing skills and refining creative talents. She noted that the variety of materials and techniques used demonstrates the artistic capabilities of the participants and underscores the role of art education in supporting the educational process and enriching the learning environment.
The exhibition includes specialized booths and workshops that shed light on the stages of educational development and showcase the evolving nature of teaching and learning methods. These elements connect Kuwait’s national educational heritage with contemporary changes and future trends, while enhancing awareness of the history of Kuwaiti education among younger generations.
The exhibition also featured a presentation of diverse artistic works within the Art Education Forum, including paintings, metal and wooden sculptures, textiles, and screen-printed pieces, as well as artworks created using fingerprints, molds, and inks. These works are the result of training courses attended by art education supervisors and trainees, illustrating the diversity of materials and techniques and the varying levels of artistic creativity.
