KUWAIT CITY, April 7: Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei has revived the Horizon Schools project, bringing it back into focus after years of being overlooked. He has issued a decision to form a specialized committee, comprising both public and private sector representatives, to revitalize the project, which was originally part of the government’s 2022 work plan.

Previously, the Council of Ministers had tasked former Minister of Education Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf with overseeing the Horizon Schools project. The initiative aimed to establish an interactive education system based on internationally accredited curricula and teaching methods. However, the project lacked adequate follow-up, resulting in delays in completing the studies and recommendations necessary for its progress.

Sources revealed that Minister Al-Tabtabaei plans to hold his first meeting with the newly formed committee within the next few days. The meeting will focus on identifying the key requirements for the next phase of the project and reviewing relevant documents to prepare for its implementation. The goal is to maximize the project's benefits in advancing education in Kuwait.

The Horizon Schools project is designed to establish public schools managed by local or international educational experts. These schools will adopt advanced international curricula with a focus on science, technology, and mathematics while also emphasizing Islamic, national, and social values such as patriotism, respect for the constitution, and adherence to Kuwaiti traditions.

This initiative supports Kuwait Vision 2035, which prioritizes education as a key component of human development. The project aims to enhance the education system with a clear national strategy that addresses the education gap and improves the efficiency of spending in the sector.

Under the proposed framework, Horizon Schools will operate as administratively independent institutions, governed by legal regulations and international curricula under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. These schools will be managed according to a regulatory and financial framework overseen by a higher committee under the direct supervision of the Council of Ministers.

The Minister’s decision outlines 17 key tasks for the newly formed committee. These tasks include developing a comprehensive vision and strategy for the Horizon Schools project, defining primary objectives such as providing high-quality education, fostering innovation, and instilling ethical values. The committee will also design a long-term strategic plan with measurable goals, set key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate each school, and prepare a detailed work plan with a timeline for the project's key milestones.

In addition, the committee will draft legislation, regulations, and executive decisions to govern the project, including licensing requirements, selection criteria for school operators, and the organizational structure for Horizon Schools. The committee will also conduct a demographic analysis of the target areas to assess the educational needs, income levels, and population density to ensure equitable access to education.

The committee will implement standardized policies for curricula, assessment methods, and technology integration. It will also manage the selection of school locations based on infrastructure and accessibility, develop regulations for educational services, and ensure appropriate training for school leaders and teachers. Moreover, it will establish a comprehensive training program for educators and implement periodic performance reviews to improve curricula and facilities.

The committee is also responsible for planning the expansion of Horizon Schools, either by establishing new schools or expanding existing ones. It will develop an operational model that can be replicated, create emergency plans to address crises such as health, security, or natural disasters, and establish integrated security and safety systems.

Meetings will be held outside regular working hours, and the committee’s term will last for three months, starting from its first meeting. The committee will submit monthly reports to the Minister of Education, including its work progress and recommendations. A final report will be presented at the end of the term. The decision to form the committee will take effect on March 24, 2025.

Key objectives of the Horizon Schools Project:

- Develop an interactive education system based on globally approved curricula and educational methods in line with international best practices.

- Provide high-quality education that aligns with modern changes and focuses on STEM fields while preserving Kuwait’s national identity.

- Instill Islamic, national, and social values, including patriotism and respect for the constitution.

- Support Kuwait Vision 2035 by prioritizing education as part of human and economic development goals.

- Achieve administrative and operational independence for schools within a regulatory framework under the Ministry of Education’s supervision.

- Promote equity in access to education, narrowing the education gap and improving spending efficiency in the sector.

- Design a long-term strategic plan with measurable goals and detailed implementation strategies.

- Achieve competitiveness with existing educational institutions by adopting high standards and evaluating strengths and weaknesses.

- Create a flexible, scalable education system with plans for school expansion and emergency preparedness.

- Build a system that ensures the continuous development of teaching quality and educational facilities, based on feedback from students and parents.

The government’s commitment to aligning Horizon Schools with international educational standards ensures that the project will create a generation capable of representing Kuwait in global educational forums, leveraging global indicators such as TIMSS and PIRLS tests.

The Horizon Schools concept involves assigning the management of some public schools to legal entities, whether individuals or companies. The Ministry of Education will cover student-related costs, while the operator will manage teachers' salaries, building maintenance, and other expenses.

To ensure community support, a comprehensive media and community marketing plan will be developed. This plan will include creating a visual identity for Horizon Schools and organizing awareness campaigns to build a strong reputation based on the quality of education provided.

This project represents a crucial step forward in Kuwait’s efforts to create a world-class education system that will empower students and contribute to the country’s long-term development.