True educational reform in Kuwait begins with societal awareness: Al-Dalali

Educator, media professional, and LOYAC board member Fattouh Al-Dalali says the path to educational reform must integrate key elements — a supportive learning environment, modern curricula, and strong family involvement.

However, she expressed concern that these essential components are not effectively present in Kuwait’s current education system.

Al-Dalali’s remarks came during a panel discussion at the fifth season of the ‘Al-Jawhar’ media training program, hosted by the LOYAC Arts Academy (LAPA) to empower youth with professional dialogue and hosting skills, reports Al-Rai daily.

She warned that education in Kuwait has, in many ways, “transformed from a means of developing minds into a tool for brainwashing,” and emphasized that meaningful change must begin with community awareness.

When asked about her motivation to enter the education field, Al-Dalali said she was drawn to teaching because it matched her personality. Reflecting on changes since she began her career in the early 1970s, she lamented the decline in the profession’s status.

“The students I taught in the 1970s truly lived by the saying, ‘Stand up for the teacher and show him respect.’ Back then, teaching was seen as a noble mission. Today, some enter the profession simply because it’s an easy job option, and this has damaged the integrity of the educational system.”

Al-Dalali criticized interference by the National Assembly in government-led attempts to improve the education system, saying such interventions have derailed potentially beneficial programs. She cited the example of a “curriculum” system designed to identify gifted students, which failed due to poor implementation and misuse by some educators to grant advantages to acquaintances’ children.

Al-Dalali also reflected on her two-decade involvement with the Women’s Cultural Association, including two terms on its board. She described the group’s active role in advocating for women’s political rights.

“We followed up on the voter registration process, even visiting police stations and candidate camps, where we often faced harassment. But we never backed down. Our persistence paid off during the time of Sheikh Jaber — may God have mercy on him.”

Today, she believes Kuwaiti women have achieved significant empowerment, pointing to the appointment of three female ministers as proof. While representation in Parliament remains limited, she said, the political standing of women has advanced significantly.

The workshop also brought together participants from Kuwait, Lebanon, Algeria, and Yemen, with acclaimed Lebanese journalist Zaven Kouyoumdjian joining as a guest speaker, adding depth to the regional conversation on media, youth, and societal development.