There are complaints about the poor driving habits of many motorists, especially citizens, due to repeated violations, reckless driving, dangerous maneuvers that terrify other road users, and a persistent disregard for using turn signals when changing lanes. The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources ( PAAAFR ) complains that the majority of those who received agricultural plots are not contributing to food security, despite their pledges to do so. Kuwait Municipality complains about some food vendors tampering with food expiration dates.
The Drug Control General Department complains about the widespread use of drugs, especially among young people. The Criminal Investigation Department complains about the growing number of moral crimes committed daily. The Ministry of Social Affairs complains about rampant corruption in most cooperative society boards and other public benefit associations. The Ministry of Finance complains about the increase in money laundering crimes.
The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy complains about excessive electricity consumption, especially among citizens, including those with limited incomes. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs complains about an unjustified increase in the number of violators referred to the Public Prosecution. The Public Authority for Industry (PAI) complains about the illegal use of vouchers granted to citizens for their businesses, which have been converted into showrooms and offices. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry complains about price manipulation and the misuse of commercial licenses.
The Ministry of Health complains about the excessive dispensing of medications and the increasing number of unlicensed medical practitioners. The Ministry of Public Works complains about the large number of unqualified engineers working for some contracting companies and the weakness of the ministry’s oversight mechanisms. The Ministry of Education complains about poor student conduct and the prevalence of smoking, among other more serious issues.
Everyone complains about the unsanitary conditions of most school facilities compared with those in private-sector schools, in addition to the widespread cheating and the resentment of students and their parents towards teachers who are serious or strict in enforcing rules and regulations. All ministries, especially educational authorities, complain about the high number of individuals holding forged or unaccredited academic certificates.
On the other hand, citizens complain about the increasing corruption and dishonesty prevalent in many of the aforementioned institutions, even though those who manage them are citizens themselves and are brothers, fathers, or mothers of those outside these institutions. The reasons behind the complaints of both sides, as well as others, stem from several issues, the most important and dangerous of which is the decline or collapse of the educational system. The failure of education cannot be observed immediately because it is usually hidden, and its disastrous consequences only become apparent many years later, when it is too late to reform.
The attention given to raising the standards of state leaders and selecting competent individuals is commendable. The serious efforts to address road maintenance and combat drug trafficking are also commendable. We are grateful for all efforts to eradicate corruption in associations of all kinds. We are pleased with the continuous and impressive efforts to uncover those who have forged citizenship, as well as the positive acceleration in implementing development plans and revitalizing the economy. But what about education?
A former physical education teacher said he entered the school mosque one day to perform the prayer. Since the imam was absent, he decided to take his place, but one of the students refused, arguing that the teacher was wearing a suit. The teacher was impressed by the student’s behavior.
A few days later, he entered the examination room as an invigilator and saw some papers prepared for cheating in the same student’s pocket. He asked the student to hand them over so they could be destroyed. The student refused, claiming that he had permission from a scholar to do so. It seems clear that the educational system in Kuwait is stagnant and will not progress with such teachers and students. We are truly living in two different worlds.
Footnote: For half a century, we have failed to develop Kuwait Airways as well as our education system because we insist on relying on local administration. Banks, the oil sector, and others avoided this predicament and therefore made progress. Those responsible for developing education must understand this.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
