Farewell to Boubou... May God have mercy on you
A Space for Time
Kuwait has lost one of the pioneers of its journey, an academic and educator, and a man of history. A man of generosity and humility. My teacher and mentor, Abu Khalid, Suleiman Saadoun Al-Badr Al-Qunaai, has passed away after a life rich in achievements in the academic and educational fields. I got to know him closely, and he guided me toward the path of professional and scholarly struggle, 50 years ago, when I was at the beginning of my career as a primary school teacher.
His son, Saadoun, was one of my outstanding students. I came to know him as a history professor at Kuwait University, and from that moment on, Abu Khalid (may God have mercy on him) became my companion in my professional and academic journey.
When Abu Khalid learned that I was continuing my studies at Alexandria University in the History Department through correspondence, he extended his hand to offer cooperation, guidance, and direction. This was especially significant given that he was a professor of ancient history and an alumnus of Alexandria University. He gifted me his academic thesis as a token of friendship and a great motivation for me to continue my scholarly pursuits. He did not stop there; he dedicated himself to teaching me history according to the prescribed curriculum, a commitment that lasted until my graduation from the university in the summer of 1981.
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How can I forget his kindness and his favor upon me? He was my friend, teacher, and guide in life.
My journey with Abu Khalid did not end there, as he continued to follow my progress. We used to meet frequently at his residence in the suburbs, as well as in Salmiya and Jabriya, and finally, when he settled in Al-Sarra.
Our relationship as friends continued when I was serving as a secondary school principal, and he held the position of Minister of Education after the brutal invasion. We worked closely together through reconstruction committees to restore life to the educational system. Alongside us were the leaders of the first generation, who were our support during that period. The year of integration was a story of achievement, with both its challenges and successes, which succeeded thanks to the solidarity of educators at the time and their willingness to shoulder responsibility.
After I left the teaching profession as a secondary school principal and moved into media and then Kuwait University, I reunited with my teacher and professor, the head of the History Department, while I was serving as Director of Public Relations and Media. We embarked on a journey of professional expertise in this field, and he was an excellent support through his experience and guidance. May God have mercy on him and grant him a good resting place.
By chance, my eldest daughter became one of his students in the History Department. He was her encourager and supporter until she graduated, and she worked with him in the academic department. He encouraged her to continue her academic and scholarly pursuits, and by God’s grace, she obtained a PhD in the Philosophy of Special Education.
This is a journey that will never be forgotten with my loyal friend and teacher, Suleiman Saadoun Al-Badr, Abu Khalid (may God have mercy on him and forgive him).
Our condolences to his noble family, his children, grandchildren, and his life companion, Umm Khalid, and to the entire Al-Badr family. Farewell, Abu Khalid, to the Garden of Eternity, O my teacher... Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds.
A Kuwaiti writer
