Al-Huwailah: Kuwait committed to integrate people with disabilities in the workforce
The Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah emphasized Kuwait’s dedication in supporting people with disabilities, particularly since the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013.
Al-Huwailah highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities into various sectors, stressing the collaboration of stakeholders in enhancing the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.
This came during the launch of the sixth batch of the national initiative ‘Partners for Their Employment’ for the 2024-2025. The event, held at Sabah Al-Salem University City, saw the participation of 123 members.
Al-Huwailah highlighted that the ‘Partners for Their Employment’ initiative, launched in 2018, played a crucial role in fulfilling Kuwait’s international and constitutional commitments in protecting the rights of people with disabilities. The initiative has significantly contributed in enhancing these rights and working towards their integration into various fields.
Moreover, Al-Huwailah celebrated the launch of the ‘dual smart glasses’ a groundbreaking innovation in Kuwait designed to assist people with hearing disabilities.
The smart glasses use ‘Artificial Intelligence’ to convert spoken language into written text, facilitating better integration for people with hearing impairments into educational and professional environments. This initiative is a testament to the efforts and dedication of Kuwaiti youth.
On the other hand, The Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ghada Al-Taher, praised the ‘Partners for Their Employment’ initiative as a unique model for empowering people with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in integrating individuals with disabilities into society.
Al-Taher highlighted that the rehabilitation and training programs within Kuwait’s ‘Partners for Their Employment’ initiative have opened new opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the country’s development. She praised Kuwait’s commitment in providing resources that enhance the skills and talents of disabled individuals, aligning with the nation’s vision for ‘New Kuwait 2035’.
On his part, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Human Construction Society for Social Development, Dr. Ghaleb Al-Osaimi shared that 20 participants from the current initiative are undergoing field training at Kuwait University’s labs, sponsored by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
Additionally, Kuwait Finance House is hosting three members, while the Public Authority for Minors Affairs will train 100 members to prepare them for employment in both public and private.
Al-Osaimi shared that participants will receive training in various roles, including customer service, information systems, lab technician assistance, surveillance, and office work.
Additionally, he highlighted that a meeting with the Civil Service Bureau will be held to discuss new career paths for individuals with mental disabilities and learning difficulties.
Furthermore, Al-Osaimi revealed that the patent for ‘dual smart glasses’ were developed through the efforts of Engineers; Mohammed Al Shammari and Awatif Al Salman, with funding from Dream Information Technology Company and support from the Human Construction Society.
The glasses were designed to assist people with hearing disabilities, based on insights from previous initiatives, and aim to facilitate their integration and active participation in society..
Supporting employment of people with disabilities
The Public Authority for Minors Affairs; announced its continued support for the rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities, sponsoring the sixth session of the ‘Partners for Their Employment’ program, which began yesterday at the Kuwait University.
Al-Omar emphasized the Authority’s commitment in supporting the ‘Partners for Their Employment’ initiative. Further it was highlighted that the Authority’s continued participation in the sixth session aligns with its humanitarian and social mission, aiming to enable people with disabilities to play an active role in the development process and fulfill its community responsibility.
As a concluding remark, Al-Omar added that the Authority is open to positive interaction with any initiative or suggestion that would enhance its efforts in this field.
