Kuwait allocates KD 3.55 billion annually to education sector

• Kuwait is committed to preparing innovative learners ready to compete regionally and globally, supporting this through digital curricula, vocational education, improved teacher quality aligned with sustainable development, and redesigned curricula for primary and intermediate levels.

Kuwait places strong emphasis on education as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Investing in human capital is seen as the most effective way to meet modern challenges and advance national goals, particularly the New Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) identifies inclusive and quality education as the fourth global sustainable development goal. In line with this, Kuwait has made notable progress in advancing its education system, dedicating around KD 3.55 billion each year—roughly 15% of the national budget—to the sector, according to Al Anba newspaper.

Kuwait remains committed to preparing a generation of learners capable of innovation and ready to compete in both regional and international labor markets. This commitment is supported by initiatives such as developing digital curricula, expanding technical and vocational education, enhancing teacher quality in line with sustainable development indicators, and redesigning curricula for primary and intermediate levels.

Speaking on the importance of education, Dr. Ali Al-Jaafar, professor of curricula at the College of Education at Kuwait University, told KUNA that the country’s curriculum is continuously updated to keep pace with global trends, with particular emphasis on technical skills, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

Addressing new and evolving challenges

Al-Jaafar explained that development, at its core, represents a qualitative transformation designed to address new and evolving challenges. Applied to education, this concept extends far beyond revising textbooks or introducing new teaching methods. Instead, it encompasses an integrated system in which all elements interact—beginning with the content, through the teacher who delivers it, and extending to the learning environment that shapes the student’s overall experience.

He stressed that curriculum development in this broader sense enhances more than academic knowledge. It also nurtures values and social awareness, enabling students to see subjects from multiple perspectives. A student who engages with material in this way develops a deeper appreciation of the ethical and social dimensions of knowledge, becoming more conscious of his role in society and the wider world.

According to Al-Jaafar, this approach contributes to shaping well-rounded personalities. Students not only acquire information but also learn to connect knowledge with values, understanding with application, and theory with practice, thereby gaining the ability to confront life’s complex challenges with awareness and efficiency.

Connection to labor market

Professor of Administrative Sciences at Kuwait University, Yousef Al-Mutairi, emphasized that one of the most important elements of the education system is its connection to the labor market. This link is established through policies developed by the Ministries of Education and Higher Education in coordination with planning and development authorities.

Al-Mutairi noted that these efforts include incorporating in-demand specializations such as engineering, information technology, nursing, and renewable energy into curricula, alongside partnerships with the private sector, regular curriculum updates, and greater promotion of technical and vocational education. He also highlighted the support provided for scholarships and grants targeting rare and modern fields of study.

He pointed to the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, which offers programs in technology, cybersecurity, and engineering, qualifying students for well-paying jobs. Specialized training in solar system maintenance and renewable energy is also creating new employment opportunities.

Reducing reliance on government employment

Al-Mutairi further referred to initiatives such as INJAZ Kuwait and the Entrepreneurship Center at Kuwait University, which teach students how to establish small businesses and secure independent income sources. These programs reduce reliance on government employment by encouraging job creation.

He stressed the importance of empowering women in sustainable development. Platforms such as Tamkeen, accredited by the Public Authority for Applied Sciences, provide training in digital skills and business management, helping women enter e-commerce and launch small online businesses.

He also underscored the need to integrate people with special needs into education, ensuring equal employment opportunities. This, he said, strengthens social justice, develops capabilities, and enables broader participation in building a sustainable economy.

He said that environmental awareness initiatives are also receiving growing attention in the education sector, such as the Green Kuwait program supported by the Ministry of Education. The initiative teaches students the importance of conserving resources and includes practical activities like planting trees in schools and holding recycling workshops.

Awareness campaigns in schools

He also highlighted awareness campaigns in schools, including Earth Day activities, which encourage students to reduce water and energy consumption, thereby lowering their carbon footprint. In addition, he pointed to Kuwait University’s efforts to promote research and innovation, particularly in sustainability fields such as carbon footprint reduction technologies and resource management.