KUWAIT CITY, Sept 17: About half a million students in various educational stages returned to school on Tuesday, as the academic year 2024/2025 started in an atmosphere of optimism and excitement with the Ministry of Education’s confirmation that it is fully prepared for the new academic year. Police and security patrols were stationed in front of the schools and on the streets leading to the schools.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Minister of Education Dr. Nader Al-Jalal inspected several schools on the first day of the new academic year to track the educational process's advancement. He greeted the students, pointing out that “the start of the academic year is a fresh chance for success and greatness when aspirations are rekindled and scientific and knowledge-based seeds are sown to eventually bear fruit in the form of a bright future for all of our students.”

He stressed the importance of exerting effort and utilizing the available capabilities for exploration and learning to develop the student’s skills and abilities since they are the pillar of the future and the nation's hope. He praised the efforts exerted by the sectors in charge of preparations for the new academic year; stressing they worked tirelessly to ensure the schools are ready to welcome students in a safe and stimulating educational environment, in addition to members of the educational and administrative bodies, school administrations and all employees.

He also highlighted the importance of continuing the concerted efforts to develop the educational environment to realize the aspirations of the country and its generous people. Meanwhile, the Director of Umm Kulthum Bint Uqbah Intermediate School for Girls Maha Al-Mutairi revealed her impressions on the first day of school; particularly the preparations for the new academic year. She affirmed “The administration opened the academic year with the highest level of organization and preparation; taking into consideration the quality of maintenance works including construction and electrical extensions, in addition to closely following up the effectiveness of operating air conditioning systems and lighting devices. We have always been committed to creating a safe, stimulating, and encouraging environment for learning; hence, the teachers are trained on higher education skills that contribute to the development of the students’ scientific capabilities.” She added the study plans were created ahead of time, along with educational objectives that were planned and established to raise students’ academic and scientific achievement levels and instill positive values in them through their participation in regional and global competitions and activities that foster ambition and self-confidence. She then wished the students an academic year full of dedication, benevolence and excellence.

By Abdulrahman Al-Shammari
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff