Coops may oversee school canteens from 2026–2027 to enhance service quality
. . . as part of a proposal from the Ministry of Education to assign the management of school canteens to cooperative societies starting in the 2026-2027 academic year
Issa Mahmoud, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs for Financial, Administrative and Cooperative Affairs, announced a new governmental initiative aimed at strengthening the role of cooperative societies in providing public services.
This comes as part of a proposal from the Ministry of Education to assign the management of school canteens to cooperative societies starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Speaking at a meeting with the heads of cooperative societies at their union headquarters on Wednesday, Mahmoud said the proposal is currently under study, with coordination ongoing between the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies and the individual societies, reports Al-Rai daily.
The union will collect feedback from the societies before finalizing all aspects of the plan.
“The Ministry is keen to ensure cooperative societies play a stronger role in service provision, protecting shareholders’ funds, and improving the quality of services offered to the community,” Mahmoud explained. He emphasized that public facilities, common spaces, and service buildings must be well-maintained and managed, with accountability enforced for any neglect.
Under the guidance of Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwayla, Mahmoud stressed that cooperative societies must prioritize safeguarding funds, providing a variety of goods and services at competitive prices, and managing central markets and branches efficiently.
Boards of directors are expected to review operations continuously, correct any deficiencies promptly, and ensure compliance with regulations and laws, including accountability for unresolved issues from previous boards.
Mahmoud also highlighted the need to finalize engineering and legal aspects of central markets, complete necessary licensing, and ensure proper legal status for employees.
He warned that any board failing to address licensing or worker issues will bear full financial and administrative responsibility. Other key priorities include fire safety compliance, modernization procedures, issuing civil numbers for invested branches, and installing surveillance systems.
Regarding community initiatives, Mahmoud urged cooperative societies to participate in national holiday celebrations, submit requests for approval by February 1, and support development projects in coordination with the Ministry, including the Green Urban Development Committee. He also clarified the cooperative societies’ role in maintaining wedding halls for the regions, limited to operational maintenance and minor repairs.
Emphasizing social responsibility, Mahmoud noted the importance of cooperative societies in raising awareness about the new anti-drug law and ensuring that facilities are accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.
The initiative reflects a broader vision to enhance cooperative work, strengthen community services, and ensure that cooperative societies continue to play a key role in serving the people of Kuwait.
