Kuwait readies roads as 481,511 students return

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 12: The Ministry of Interior mobilized its security sectors to fully prepare for the start of the new academic year and ensure smooth traffic flow, coinciding with the launch of the ‘Prevention and Safety’ awareness campaign. These measures are part of the field operations and public outreach efforts of the ministry to raise awareness and guarantee the safety of students, parents and all segments of society. The General Traffic Department closely monitors traffic flow at intersections on Sunday, using 258 cameras linked to a control room, along with 338 cameras for road monitoring, detecting traffic congestion, and easing traffic flow, while patrols are deployed along the roads in various areas.

In the latest development, the Ministry of Interior announced deploying 870 security and traffic patrols to secure the start of the new scholastic year 2026-2027; ensuring traffic flow and the safety of students and road users. A ministry statement on Saturday noted that the patrols are tasked with immediate intervention and rapid response to reports received via the emergency hotline (112), affirming readiness to handle such situations around the clock. It urged everyone to adhere to traffic rules and use designated pedestrian crossings, while also encouraging parents to monitor their children and foster family dialogue, emphasizing that prevention and safety begin with community awareness. In a related development, the ministry launched its ‘Prevention and Safety’ awareness campaign, which will run throughout the academic year and comprises six pillars.

The first pillar focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of the new traffic law and raising awareness about road safety. The second pillar is on the protection of juveniles and fostering a healthy family environment in accordance with the Juvenile Protection Law. The third pillar introduces the Anti- Narcotics Law and educates students and families on the dangers of illegal drugs and the tactics used to lure individuals into substance abuse. The fourth pillar addresses cybersecurity, the fifth covers the issue of ideological extremism, and the sixth is on promoting environmental awareness.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s schools are set to reopen Sunday as the Ministry of Education confirmed full readiness for the 2026–2027 academic year, with 481,511 students expected to return across government, private Arabic and religious education institutions, says in a press release by Ministry of Education. First-grade pupils will be the first to attend classes on Sunday, September 13, followed by the rest of primary, intermediate and secondary students on Monday, September 14. Kindergarten children will begin on Wednesday, September 16. According to the ministry’s latest figures, 391,604 students are enrolled in public government schools, 86,762 in private Arabic schools and 3,145 in religious education programmes.

Textbooks 97% distributed. The ministry said 97% of textbooks— 137 out of 141 titles—have been received from printers and delivered to schools, ensuring learners have core materials from the first day of term. Transfers of teaching and supervisory staff have been finalized, with remaining grievances being processed under standard procedures to maintain workforce stability.

Training for new curricula and tracks system: Specialized technical guidance departments have conducted training sessions for Grade 10 teachers, mentors and department heads on the new curricula, with sessions localized in scientific departments to maximize reach. Preparations are also underway for the introduction of the tracks system in secondary education. School principals have completed a training course on implementation protocols, while an expanded programme for department heads, teachers and counsellors is scheduled for the coming weeks.

By Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff