Young Voices

Nearly a quarter of Kuwait's entire population is under the age of 14 and yet with the exception of school assemblies, we never hear their voices. During Ramadan, Kuwait Times likes to publish a special series that engages with its readership in a more direct, personal way to learn their concerns, issues and viewpoints.

This Ramadan, we will chat with some of our youngest readers about their lives in Kuwait, in an attempt to see the world through their eyes. What do they see for the future of our beautiful country? What would they improve and how would they change it? By listening to their future plans, stories, and experience in Ramadan, we can remind ourselves and hopefully our readers of the ties that bind us all together as a species. These are the voice of Kuwait's future and we invite them to share their thoughts with us here.

Some may be surprised with what might come from those little lips when they speak about themselves, their dreams and their perceptions of the world around them. Seven-year-old Amna Al-Hassan is a beautiful girl who loves trying new things, making adventures and challenges, traveling and seeing new places, making new friends, as well as raising and feeding domestic animals. Amna sees herself as a bright and professional career woman, who can support her family and country.

"I want to become a surgeon, a doctor for children," she said. "I want to help children to become healthy and active, so they can enjoy their childhood free of any pain." This is not surprising, since she, ever since a very young age, has been taking part in talent fine-tuning classes and personal development activities, such as ballet dancing, art studios, discussion groups for critical thinking, creativity, confidence and social sharing.

"I created portraits for Bait Al-Yasameen in order to be sold in an art auction to support the Syrian refugees' schools in Lebanon. I exchanged letters with them with the hope to meet them one day at their home country," she said.

Like other kids, she enjoys visiting the Ice Skating Rink, Kidzania, Discovery Mall, Winterland, Trampo at Promenade, the Kuwait Scientific Center's aquarium, the 360 ART center, K- Summer Camp, and watching her favorite movies at the movie theatre. "I also like to paint my nails, holding parties and doing some outdoor activities with my siblings during the summer and winter," added Amna.

She thinks that Kuwait is a lovely and caring country because the people are so kind and they love to help each other. "We do not have wars," she said. However, Amna believes that Kuwait can become a dreamland by taking good care of the environment, recycling and giving kids a chance to participate in the decision making process about education. "I wish that Kuwait will come up with many inventions that can assist the world to become a better one and support humanity," she finally concluded. Amna is planning to visit Germany and hopes to get a chance to do some fun activities, meet new friends, attend shows, take a lot of pictures, visit new places, eat new food and buy souvenirs for her best friends.

By Athoob Al-Shuaibi