KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: As the new academic year 2024/2025 is set to commence in 28 days, the Ministry of Education is working diligently to finalize preparations for schools. Currently, the Ministry is replacing 27,000 air conditioning units, performing necessary maintenance on school buildings, and planning to start cleaning work at the end of this week. These efforts aim to create a suitable and comfortable environment for both students and teachers.

On September 8, more than 115,000 teachers and administrators will start their duties. Students will return to classrooms on September 16 and 17, marking the beginning of the new school year. According to educational sources, the Ministry has secured 14 active contracts for maintenance work across schools. These contracts include a new requirement for companies to replace 30 percent of air conditioning units, prioritizing classrooms.

The Supplies and Warehouses Department is tasked with providing furniture for 7,929 students and 1,416 teachers and administrators across 19 new schools. The department also expects to complete textbook distribution before the school year begins. Additionally, the General Services Administration is organizing transportation by providing 1,680 buses for students. Each school will have between 7 and 8 cleaners, along with school guards and messengers.

The Ministry of Education is focused on ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place, including furniture, books, and equipment. The goal is to ensure that schools offer a high-quality educational environment. For the start of the academic year, 115,000 teachers and administrators will begin their work in 1,275 government schools on September 8, with 540,000 students joining them on September 16 and 17.

Under the new maintenance contracts, 27,000 air conditioning units are being replaced. These contracts require that 30 percent of the units be replaced, a first since air conditioning was introduced in schools. At present, 26,993 units distributed in classrooms are being replaced. Priority is given to classrooms to ensure optimal conditions for students, with one unit replaced per classroom to maintain comfort.

The breakdown of replaced air conditioning units is as follows:

• Capital: 5,219 units
• Farwaniya: 5,240 units
• Jahra: 4,238 units
• Ahmadi: 5,207 units
• Mubarak Al-Kabeer: 2,899 units
• Hawalli: 3,248 units
• Private Institutes and Religious Institutes: 942 units

The maintenance process is ongoing and will continue throughout the academic year, as companies are contracted to provide ongoing maintenance for the air conditioning units for up to three years.

The Supplies and Stores Department is responsible for distributing furniture, textbooks, stationery, and other supplies. It has already completed the distribution of furniture to 19 new schools and is addressing any shortages in both existing and newly rehabilitated schools. Textbook distribution is on track to be finished before the school year begins, with 69 contracts for printing already in progress.

Acting Director of Supplies and Warehouses, Nashmiya Al-Dhuwaihi, reported that preparations are underway for 18 new schools and one rehabilitated school. These schools will be part of the operational plan for the academic year and are distributed across educational districts. The total number of schools includes 6 kindergartens, 4 primary schools, 6 intermediate schools, and 3 secondary schools. The expected enrollment is 7,929 students, with 1,416 teachers and administrators.

Details for the new schools include:

• Capital Education Department: Four new schools, including two kindergartens and two elementary schools, will serve 800 students with 190 staff members.
• Farwaniya Education Department: Three new schools, including intermediate and secondary schools, will accommodate 1,800 students and 346 staff members.
• Ahmadi Education Department: Four new schools, including kindergartens and intermediate schools, are expected to serve 1,095 students and 216 staff members.
• Jahra Education Department: Seven new schools, including kindergartens, elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools, will serve 4,234 students with 664 staff members.

The General Services Department is overseeing the implementation of cleaning, security, and transportation services. Cleaning operations will start on August 15, with 7 to 8 cleaners assigned to each government school. Additionally, 1,680 buses with drivers will be provided for student transport, along with school guards and messengers.

In summary, the Ministry of Education is making significant efforts to ensure that all schools are ready for the start of the new academic year, providing a conducive learning environment for students and a supportive workspace for teachers and staff.