Kuwait city: Compulsory education in Kuwait has been a cornerstone in building its society and investing in the country's human resources since the implementation of Law No. 11 of 1965, which stipulated that education would be compulsory and free for students from elementary school until the end of secondary school.
According to Kuwait News Agency, several educational figures and officials highlighted the benefits of compulsory education. Dr. Yaqoub Al-Ghunaim, a former Minister of Education in 1981 and a retired Arabic language teacher at Shuwaikh High School, stated that compulsory education is essential for thriving societies. He emphasized that history has shown no true advancement can occur without proper knowledge and education, noting that countries neglecting education have suffered.
Dr. Al-Ghunaim explained that education involves not just teaching subjects but also instilling morals and ethics, contributing to societal development. Seham Al-Foraih, a member of the Board of Trustees at the Kuwaiti International Law School (KILAW) and Chairperson of the Kuwaiti National Society for the Protection of Children, asserted that bolstering education is key to human development. She cited Singapore's rapid progress as an example of prioritizing education.
Al-Foraih emphasized the need for constant updates to educational materials and curricula on both institutional and personal levels. She called for creative ways to deliver educational content, addressing challenges such as the mindless repetition of information in Kuwait's education process.
Dr. Waleed Al-Enezi, a faculty member at the Kuwait University (KU) College of Education, affirmed that the compulsory education law has significantly reduced illiteracy in Kuwait. He stated that the law provides opportunities for all to seek knowledge and education, impacting society socially, economically, and legally. He mentioned legal consequences for those who do not comply with the law.
Dr. Najah Al-Thydi from KU's College of Arts and Literature remarked that compulsory education is not just a law but a strategic plan by the state to ensure the country's prosperity. She stressed the importance of accessing education to boost development for future generations. Addressing challenges, Al-Thydi highlighted the need for continuous curriculum updates to keep pace with global educational and informational advancements.