Mrs Rhoda Muhmood, Co-Founder and Founding Director of Kuwait English School, after receiving her MBE.

 "One must not look beyond education as something which ends with one's youth. It is the key to many doors, doors both of knowledge and wisdom," said Winston Churchill.  This was the very quote that Rhoda Muhmood, MBE, one of Kuwait’s pioneering educationists, often repeated, and one she highlighted during an in-depth interview I conducted with her for Radio Kuwait in 2021.

Mrs. Muhmood was a treasure trove of anecdotes and quotations, each perfectly suited to the moment. Warm, humorous, humble, resilient, generous, and kind, she carried with her an unmistakable old-world charm. Her slight frame belied a formidable strength of conviction, an almost missionary belief in education as the answer to life’s challenges, and the extraordinary leadership that enabled her to establish and build one of Kuwait’s foremost international institutions-Kuwait English School.

Her passing on Tuesday, September 9,  leaves a huge void, not only in the hearts and lives of her equally extraordinary family (her four sons are high achievers in their own rights), but in the minds and hearts of countless lives she touched – the Kuwaiti and non-expatriate children who graduated from the hallowed portals of her school in Salwa during her 41 years of stewardship and even now, her many colleagues who she won over with kindness, thoughtful gestures and inspiring leadership, and her innumerable friends throughout the world.  

During that interview in 2021, when she was her usual bubbly self, already planning her next charity event, she reiterated Churchill’s quote and said, “You know, this quote resonates with me. I believe anybody who's put in a position to help other people, you’ve got the privilege of doing it, and you’ve got the pleasure, and the responsibility.” True to her words, she was always deeply involved in charitable causes, giving her time and energy generously to uplift others.

She recalled her childhood in Manchester and her first encounter with school as a young girl, and the magic spell it cast on her. “From my childhood, I always felt that education was a magic world. When I was four years old, I recall my mother walking my older brother and me to school in Manchester. It was raining heavily that morning, so she dressed us carefully-my brother with his raincoat and umbrella, and me in my little Wellingtons. She held my hand tightly as we splashed through puddles together. As we reached the school gates, I heard the sound of chanting coming from inside the building. There was something magical about it, an energy that drew me in before I had even stepped through the door. At that moment, I felt a spark of excitement and wonder. I didn’t understand it then, but the seed of my love for learning had been planted. From that day forward, the idea of being with others, of discovering and growing together, became something I cherished,” she recalled.

Mr and Mrs Muhmood — the perfect couple

Mrs Muhmood arrived in Kuwait with her husband Muhmood Ebdewe Muhmood, who was newly appointed at Kuwait Television as an Engineer in the 1970s.   At that time, Kuwait was coming into its own, using its oil wealth to build a developed, modern country. International schools in Kuwait were a rarity.  “For any kind of quality recreation, you had to join a club,” she recalled. “At the time, there was one called Salmiya Sporting Club, and we became members there. Very soon, we built some truly wonderful friendships-many of them lasting for years, even as our children grew up together. Those friends brought warmth and richness to our lives in ways we will always value.”  Here, she began teaching at New English School before an opportunity arrived to fulfil her life’s mission.

Speaking about the establishment of Kuwait English School, now a thriving institution of 2,700 students aged 3 to 19, she explained how it grew to offer the very best in education across a broad spectrum, including music, art, and design. “My life has been shaped by incredible coincidences. One day, I bought a copy of the Arab Times. Newspapers weren’t very popular then, but that day, it carried an advertisement for a head of staff at a school. In the staff room of New English School, my colleagues immediately noticed it and said, ‘Rhoda, you should apply, you love organising, and you’re passionate about education.’ I decided to give it a try.”

What followed was the founding of an institution that has, since 1979, been one of Kuwait’s premier international schools, offering a comprehensive British curriculum that mentors and creates all-rounders. She oversaw the establishment of the Green Unit in 1991, for students with special educational needs and the Sixth Form ‘Millennium Centre’ in 1997. Her students, who live well-established lives in different parts of the world, including Kuwait, remember her mothering, mentoring, and kindness.

Over the years, Mrs Muhmood’s career in education rose to remarkable heights. She inspired generations of students with her passion, warmth, and boundless enthusiasm, not only for learning, but also for music, sport, character, and community. Intelligent and insightful, she never used her gifts to overshadow others; instead, she had a unique ability to uplift and empower those around her.

She championed the creation of an environment that was conducive to learning in every sense, both visually and aurally, while fostering strong connections with parents and the wider community. These values, traditions, and practices remain an enduring part of KES, a legacy that continues to shape its growth and success.

Mrs Muhmood receiving her MBE from Her Highness the Queen in 2016

Mrs. Muhmood’s career is a powerful reminder that true teaching is driven by passion. For her, the heart of education lay in those daily, meaningful interactions with 26 children over 40 minutes, moments that shaped both learning and character. She witnessed the school’s remarkable transition into digital learning during the pandemic. “I believe that education and nurturing children’s lives go hand in hand. You shouldn’t be in this profession unless you’re truly passionate, because every day you walk into a room filled with eager faces. When you think about it, 26 children, each lesson lasting 40 minutes, that’s an incredible amount of human time you’re entrusted with. That is why I have the deepest appreciation for the success we’ve achieved,” she had said.

To what extent does an educational institution that nurtures children into young adulthood prepare them for life or the world? “What children really need are many skills, especially facilitation skills. They must be encouraged to become strong readers, not just reading for information, but reading to nurture their spirit and to find joy. Literacy is essential, and that journey begins right from the early years,” she had urged.

His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, the then Prince of Wales with KES students during a visit to Kuwait

Because of her extraordinary impact on education and social welfare, Mrs Muhmood was honoured with an MBE by Her Majesty, the Queen in 2016. The terms' inspirational' and 'catalyst for change' aptly describe her character and the difference she made to the educational landscape of Kuwait. Her contribution and legacy will continue to serve as a driving force in Kuwait, encouraging us to believe that we can change the world through education.

Arab Times shares the thoughts and sentiments of some of her family, friends and colleagues.

HRH Princess Anne with Rhoda Muhmood, MBE when she visited KES during her official tour of Kuwait.

Laith Al Hemairy, Khaled Muhmood, Tareq Muhmood and Ziad Muhmood

Mrs Muhmood’s sons

Mum’s greatest legacy is the profound impact she had on so many lives—including ours. She had a unique gift for bringing out the very best in us. For that, we will be forever grateful and deeply proud to be her sons.

Stuart Summers

Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, Kuwait 

All of us at the British Embassy were very sorry to hear of the passing of Rhoda. The British educational presence in Kuwait is a critical part of the close relationship between our countries, and she was a wonderful ambassador for the UK in that regard. Her MBE was a just recognition of this. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to her family.

Belinda Lewis (Former British Ambassador to Kuwait)

I am glad to have known Rhoda. I will remember her kindness, her gentleness, and her relentless positivity.

Dr Lavinia Davenport MBE

Spouse of the former British Ambassador Michael Davenport MBE

How very sad Michael and I are to receive the sorrowful news that dear Rhoda Muhmoud has left us. Bereft we feel, as we remember both her role as a public person and as a friend. One of our most enjoyable evenings in Kuwait was the musical celebration we shared with Rhoda and her husband on the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Kuwait English School.  She loved music. There was also an enormous and delicious cake. It was such an achievement to found so excellent a school, and her selfless dedication shone ever forth. 

Rhoda was a vibrant member of the British Ladies Society, of which I was privileged to be the patron. I remember that at one of our gatherings in the Residence, she took me aside to tell me all about her magical encounter with Princess Diana in 1989. She stood at the top of the Residence stairs and described the princess’s ascent up them in the most vivid detail - Rhoda had a wonderful way with words. A few months later when Prince William visited Kuwait, in 2019, I was honored to receive him at the top of those very stairs and told him the story, word by word. Rhoda was always a loyal support to both Michael and I. We had so looked forward to our next planned encounter with her and her beloved husband - a jolly dinner á quatre in London town. Alas, it was not meant to be. We both send all our deepest sympathy and condolences to her dear family and friends. May she rest in Peace.

Michael Hassan

Headteacher of Secondary School

Kuwait English School

It is with the greatest sadness that I have learned of the passing of Mrs Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood MBE, the founder of our school. I know many of us have had the pleasure of working with 'Mrs M' for many years. I, for one, chose to join KES due to her passion for Music. Her life was Kuwait English School through and through, and she created the legacy of our wonderful institution and the team we have today. She founded KES, from its humble beginnings in a small villa, into one of the leading international schools in the region. An achievement and a legacy that will live on for many, many years. 

Mrs Muhmood was a pioneer and a great leader who loved and cared for all the students and the staff in the school. She was always present at events and helped inspire many functions and concerts for not only the school but also charitable causes. She really cared. She has changed the lives of so many students, staff, and me personally. For this, we will always be grateful. 

Our thoughts are with Mr Muhmood, who was the General Manager at KES for many years, and his family at such a sad time. 

Claudia Farkas Al Rashoud, Journalist and Author

When I interviewed Rhoda Muhmood for the Arab Times shortly after she retired from Kuwait English School, she expressed her appreciation for the different roles in life she'd been given.  She was a pioneer educator with more than fifty years of experience in British schools in Kuwait, an active philanthropist, and a proud mother and grandmother.  She was also a mentor and dear friend who served as a source of inspiration to so many individuals in the community.  She felt so thankful for knowing all these people and had said, “I’ve had a lot of quality people in my life, good people  that have nurtured me along the way.”

Even from her hospital bed during the last months of her life, Rhoda constantly voiced her gratitude for her wonderful life and all the lovely people with whom she had shared it.  She was always thinking of others.  She’d look around the room at the family members and friends visiting her and ask if they were well or if they needed anything.  She also had a great sense of fun and never lost her gentle sense of humour. During the interview, Rhoda had shared some of her favorite quotes with me.  One of them was, “A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.”  Another was by the Dalai Lama, “Share your knowledge.  It’s a way to achieve immortality.”  Rhoda embodied the wisdom in these quotes.  She will be greatly missed.  

 Vera Al-Mutawa, MBE

Founder & Director, The British School of Kuwait

It is with great sadness and deep respect that I pay tribute to my dear friend and esteemed colleague, Rodah Al-Humairy, MBE. I first met Rodah in 1971, through mutual friends from the Quttina family—Elsie, Issmit, and Ivonne. From the very beginning, our friendship was marked by mutual support and admiration, which soon grew into a lifelong bond of professional respect and shared purpose.

Together with her devoted husband, Mehmoud Al-Humairy, Rodah raised a wonderful family of four sons—Laith, Khalid, Tareq, and Ziad. Her family was always at the centre of her life, providing her greatest joy, her strength, and the foundation upon which she built her remarkable career. Professionally, Rodah was a true pioneer in education. Alongside Jassem Alsedah, a former diplomat and respected educator, she co-founded one of Kuwait’s most reputable English-medium schools. Their shared vision created an institution that has served the community with distinction for more than five decades, shaping generations of young minds with quality education and strong values.

Rodah’s passion for education was profound. She often remarked that she felt almost guilty being paid for work she loved so deeply. That humility, combined with her dedication, defined her character. She was not only a leader but also a mentor to teachers and an inspiration to countless students.

Though we worked in the same sector, our friendship was never defined by rivalry. Instead, it was strengthened by mutual respect and a shared belief that education is a collaborative mission, not a contest. Rodah was more than a colleague—she was an inspiration. A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and exceptional school leader, she brought grace and purpose to everything she did. Her service was rightfully recognised when she was awarded the honour of MBE, a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication. On behalf of The British School of Kuwait, The Sunshine Kindergarten, and personally, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rodah’s beloved family and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

John Price, Retired Principal of KES Senior School

Alison S Price MBE, Cultural Historian & Creative

Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood MBE has left a legacy in the hearts and minds of many thousands of people of different cultures and religions. She was, at her very centre, a ‘mother’. The dedication, determination and kindness which nurtured her beloved family and was given, for decades, to generations of children, far exceeded her role as co-founder and director of Kuwait English School.

It was our great privilege to know and work through four decades with Mrs Muhmood. To us, she was a mentor, an inspiration, and an enthusiastic supporter of all we endeavoured. To our family, Mrs Muhmood was a dear friend.

Jennnifer Cadiz

President of the British Ladies' Society

A founding member of BLS and constant support to the British Ladies’ Society in Kuwait for all of our 32 years, Rhoda’s generosity of spirit and graciousness were so welcoming to new members. Everyone in BLS who managed to spend any time with her, became instantly enamored. Rhoda is fondly remembered for the joy she brought to every situation with such a delightful sense of humour and a twinkle in her eye that meant she got away with more than most! Rhoda seized every day, and we are so thankful that she did that with BLS.

Caroline Lynskey

Former Headteacher, Kuwait English School

Mrs. M’s passion for education and her strength as a leader touched countless lives, mine included. Through both tragedy and triumph in my own life, she was always there with wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support. A true trailblazer, her legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Nejoud Al Yaqout, Poet, Activist & Friend

Today, Kuwait mourns the loss of an iconic woman who shaped the history of English education in Kuwait. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Rhoda remembers her as a welcoming, kind, charitable and jovial person who made every person she encountered feel like the most important person in a room. Rhoda juggled work, marriage, motherhood, and service to others with superhuman ease. To say she will be missed by all the hearts she touched in her transient sojourn on Earth is an understatement.

Elsie Quttainah

Friend

There are no words to truly capture the grief I feel. Fifty years- a lifetime of shared memories, you were so much more than a sister to me, you were woven into the very fabric of my life, and I will always love you.

Wendy Beddison

First President of the British Ladies Society, Kuwait

Rhoda was one of the founding members of the BLS; we were on the steering committee together, and she was elected Vice President for the inaugural year. She did a great deal to support the BLS in the early years, even finding us a place at KES to hold our Committee meetings. She was a remarkable woman and a good friend for some forty years. I will miss her.

Cezary Owerkowicz

Co-founder of Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia

My wife, Anna, and I came to Kuwait 40 years ago, in 1985, at the invitation of the Ministry of Information, where we served as teachers and concert pianists. Thanks to this, we soon became acquainted with a number of significant persons, such as Mrs. Rhoda Muhmood and her husband. Soon, we began to participate, both as listeners and performers, in school concerts at  Kuwait English School.

A few years later, together with our friend, cellist Mr. Witold Wnuk, we offered the Kuwaiti community a regular concert season as the Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia. Its launch was made possible thanks to the Founders of KES and the management headed by Mrs. Rhoda. The first ever professional concert season started on November 11th, 1992, at the KES hall.

Over the next years and decades, the KCP stage hosted several famous orchestras, ensembles and soloists from all over the world, as well as talented Kuwaiti youth (including well-known Kuwaiti composer, Dr. Sulaiman Al Dekan). Mrs. Rhoda supported our efforts in various forms throughout. It is no wonder that, celebrating the 30th anniversary of KCP on November 11th, 2012, we returned to the historic KES hall at her invitation. By contributing proudly and diversely to the life of Kuwait and its community, she has become a permanent part of our lives, of the education, culture and musical development of the country, which has become a second homeland for many of us.

Glory to her for that. As long as her friends are alive, Mrs. Rhoda’s memory will also live on, remembered with gratitude, love and respect