KUWAIT CITY, Oct 3: The Ministry of Education has approved an initiative proposed by the University of California, Berkeley, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education and training in Kuwait. The initiative involves launching AI laboratories in secondary schools across the country.

This decision came in response to a proposal received by the Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, during her meeting with faculty members and coordinators of the Artificial Intelligence Program at Berkeley. Mona Salem, the acting General Technical Supervisor of Computer Science, prepared a report highlighting the Ministry of Education's keen interest in enhancing young people's skills and capabilities in this critical field.

Salem expressed the Ministry’s support for UC Berkeley’s goals of launching AI labs, integrating AI into education, and providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. She emphasized that the proposed programs, which include teaching the fundamentals of AI, fostering creativity through AI, using AI as an educational tool, and participating in AI research and innovation, offer an excellent opportunity for Kuwaiti students to benefit from Berkeley’s vast expertise in this domain.

She also noted that cooperation with UC Berkeley would significantly benefit both students and the overall education system in Kuwait.

Salem suggested forming a joint working group comprising representatives from the Ministry of Education and Berkeley University to develop a detailed plan for implementing the proposed programs. The group would identify the needs and requirements of students, ensure the provision of necessary resources such as infrastructure and technology, and regularly evaluate the programs to ensure they meet their objectives and improve them as needed.

Additionally, the proposal includes developing curricula and new AI-related programs tailored to student needs, training teachers to effectively use AI in classrooms, and supporting research and development in AI education.

Salem emphasized that this collaboration would help unlock the potential of Kuwaiti youth, enabling them to succeed in a world filled with challenges and opportunities.