KUWAIT: The ministries of education and interior launched on Sunday a road awareness media campaign prior to the 2024-25 academic year, which kicks off on Monday at public schools. The campaign, also in collaboration with the Center for Government Communication (CGC) and the ministry of information, aimed to lessen congestion and smooth the flow of traffic.

The education ministry said in a statement on X that the campaign would ensure the safety of road users and students alike, affirming that all sectors of the interior ministry are working on making sure that all roads are safe for commuting. With less stress on the road, students will excel in their studies and achieve their academic goals, the statement added.

The interior ministry affirmed that it would be organizing events at schools and educational facilities to spread knowledge on proper road etiquette, which would hopefully prevent traffic congestion and prevent accidents from occurring. The media campaign, featured on various platforms, would continue throughout the school year targeting students, parents, educational staff and the public.

Meanwhile, the ministry of education has wrapped up preparations to receive more than 500,000 students and some 105,000 faculty and administration members, gearing up to start the new 2024-2025 academic year. In terms of infrastructure and logistic services, the ministry arranged the technical requirements, periodic maintenance and replacement of 26,993 AC units, as well as providing a large number of buses equipped with GPS tracking systems.

Some six million schoolbooks were printed and distributed across all schools, and 5,125 interactive screens were installed in classrooms and labs in an effort to keep pace with the developing educational field and to provide an experience that fosters creativity and innovation. As part of its plan to expand its services and meet the demand of the increasing number of students, the ministry inaugurated 19 new school buildings, eight in Jahra educational region, four in Ahmadi, four in the Capital and three in Farwaniya.

The new schools were designed according to state-of-the-art standards, with qualifications that meet environmental sustainability standards via solar panels that decrease reliance on traditional energy.

In an effort to create a safe and stimulating environment for students and teachers alike, the ministry also invested in making the schools more accessible with elevators and designating special areas for people with disabilities. The schools are fitted with 25,000 pieces of furniture for some 8,453 students and 1,918 faculty members. Based on the approved plan on the Takamul platform, the libraries management at the ministry of education prepared 19 libraries in new schools that provide information for all grades, which helps motivate students and builds a better environment.

The ministry also updated the Sahel platform, making it easier for students and administrators to upload their data on the application, as well as prepared the information infrastructure in the new schools and distributed 922 computers, 52 attendance fingerprint devices and 82 interactive screens in preparation for the new academic year. The ministry of education appreciated the support of Kuwait’s political leadership in all fields, adding that they are also working on implementing plans that reflect Kuwait’s educational vision.

Education Minister Dr Nader Al-Jallal congratulated teachers on the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, stressing that teachers are the main pillars in building the future generation. Based on the academic calendar, first grade starts on Sept 16, while elementary, middle and high school will begin on Sept 17 and kindergarten on Sept 18. – KUNA