KUWAIT: The General Secretariat of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) announced on Tuesday the commencement of the final rounds of the inaugural “Mafaaz” competition, aimed at raising awareness about endowments (Waqf), charitable initiatives, and volunteerism.

The initiative is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and features participation from 52 intermediate and secondary schools across the Capital Educational Area. Acting Deputy Secretary-General for Administration and Support Services and Head of the Organizing Committee Amal Al-Dallal told KUNA that the competition involves student-led presentations of no more than five minutes, highlighting the values and significance of waqf and community service.

“The competition is open to students between the ages of 11 and 17 from both intermediate and secondary levels,” Al-Dallal noted. “This year, 52 schools are taking part—25 secondary schools, including nine for boys and 16 for girls, as well as 27 intermediate schools comprising nine boys’ schools and 18 girls’ schools.”

She explained that the qualifying rounds for the secondary level began Tuesday and will run through Thursday, hosted at Seville Elementary School for Girls in Kaifan from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The intermediate level qualifiers will follow, taking place from Sunday through April 15 at Fahd Al-Askar Elementary School for Boys, also in Kaifan.

Al-Dallal emphasized that the competition aims to instill core human values and cultivate an early understanding of the importance of Waqf in societal development. “The initiative encourages a spirit of cooperation, altruism, and community engagement,” she said, adding that students are also encouraged to express their creativity through storytelling, poster creation, and short film production centered on waqf and charitable themes.

She affirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation among youth by offering them platforms to showcase their talents in ways that reflect their understanding and appreciation of charitable work and Islamic endowments. — KUNA