Kuwait is a nation which is striving to become globally competitive. In order to do this, the government and the parents are investing heavily in their children’s education. There are many options available for educating Kuwaiti children: the government schools, the private Arabic schools, the private bilingual schools and also the private English, American, Canadian or other national schools. For expat children all these options are available except the government schools. The Ministry of Private Education mandates education in all the private schools with the Ministry of Education being in charge of all education.
One of the mandates the Ministry has set forth is the incorporation of technology in all aspects of education, because Kuwait’s goal is to become a producer of technology and not just a consumer. Kuwait has made strides in this direction with the launch of the “Education Net” with some Kuwaiti young people beginning to make waves in the media with their electronic developments. Another goal Kuwait is striving to achieve is the production of children performing at a talented or gifted level. In order to achieve this goal, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education is viewing early childhood education as being an intrinsic player by the use of educational games, hands-on learning and other strategies which will enhance creativity and critical thinking skills.
The government of Kuwait is strongly focused on preparing children for a future which will require these skills, but they are still at the implementation stage, since the first stage is training teachers to be leaders of the future. FasTracKids, located in Discovery Mall, is helping children achieve the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education’s goals in this area. FasTracKids was founded on the premise that “with proper instruction and reinforcement, most young children can maximize their potential to perform at the level we now call gifted.” A potentially gifted child that is provided with the high quality educational experiences continues to develop their abilities, enjoy learning in their own way and find their pathway to success!
Every child deserves the opportunity to be the best that he or she can be. Kuwait’s forward-thinking goals have demonstrated that there is a need and unlimited possibilities in this country. With the right tools and strategies implemented according the goals of the Ministry of Education, within the next 10 to 15 years, Kuwait will be able to shine in the fields of education, science and technology.
References
“The National Report: Development of Education in the State of Kuwait 2004 – 2008.” International Bureau of Education. Kuwait National Commission for the Development of Education, Science & Culture, n.d. Web. 18 May 2013. http://www.ibe.unesco.org/National_Reports/ICE_2008/kuwait_NR08.pdf
“Kuwait Culture – Education In Kuwait.” Kuwait Culture Office – Washington DC. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2013. <http://www.kuwaitculture.com/about%20us/education.htm >.
“‘Smart school’ era in Kuwait – Educational tech revolution transforming Kuwait education | Kuwait Times.” Kuwait Times. N.p., 25 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 May 2013. <http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/08/25/smart-school-era-in-kuwait-educational-tech-revolution-transforming-kuwait-education/>.
FasTracKids Kuwait 