Surprises... and the house that is never forgotten
After a lengthy meeting at the Diwaniya of the Youth to discuss the concerns surrounding the start of the school year, the group agreed to entrust Al-Shaib with delivering an appeal to school administrations, teachers, and educators.
Al-Shaib adjusted his ghutra, cleared his throat, and then said: “Honorable directors and deputy directors of schools, and esteemed teachers and educators, peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you. As for what follows: We know that you are the leaders of the educational field, and that you exert great efforts for the sake of our students. We also know that behind closed doors, there are stories and financial circumstances known only to God.
A child is a trust, and he bears no blame if his father is facing financial hardship, or if his salary was reduced this month due to the burden of obligations.
Therefore, we urge you to ease the requirements for ‘surprises’ (gifts) and school activities, and to limit them to what achieves educational benefit without overburdening families beyond their means.
Let school activities teach our children creativity, not teach parents the art of borrowing.
If possible, use natural materials and recycle items found at home; that is better and more blessed. A model made of cardboard may teach a child more than a model that requires a ministry-level budget.
Do not embarrass a student who is late in bringing a school supply; a child’s dignity is not a graded subject, and a family’s circumstances are not a shame.
We do not forget the teachers and educators. Some of them spend their own money on their classrooms and students, becoming not only teachers but also suppliers, accountants, and shopkeepers who open a bookstore after work.
O people of education, the goal of activities is for the student to learn, not for the school to become a competition in prices and brands.
We ask God to bless your efforts and to make the academic year easy for students, families, and teachers.
Al-Shaib fell silent and sipped his coffee, as the group nodded in admiration of his appeal.
But Al-Mutamawil, who had been listening while his mind was at the Davos conference, said: “O group… I have a brilliant economic solution.”
They turned to him.
Then he said confidently: “One should marry a female employee, thereby securing two salaries for the household.”
The man replied: “People are appealing to schools to ease the ‘surprises,’ and you are steering us toward a marriage and family financing project?”
Al-Mutamawil smiled and said: “I am thinking about the future. If you want to ensure ‘surprises,’ fine. Don’t just marry a female employee; marry a female employee who has children who are children of employees.”
The group burst out laughing, and the expert said: “God is great! What sweetness is this? You don’t want a family; you want a closed joint-stock company.” At that moment, Sheikh Zaghlul raised the noon call to prayer for us to hear.
A Kuwaiti writer
