KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The National Integrity Society has expressed deep concern over the widespread issue of student absenteeism across public education schools in Kuwait, spanning from kindergarten to secondary levels. This trend, coupled with the Ministry of Education’s inability to enforce adherence to the academic calendar, has created an environment where students are encouraged to provide false medical information to justify their absences. Such practices not only undermine the values of integrity but also pose a significant educational challenge, hindering the state’s efforts to instill integrity in society, reports Al-Jarida daily . Despite Kuwait boasting the shortest academic year globally, with only 174 days according to the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, the problem of absenteeism persists. Last-minute attempts by educational authorities to curb this phenomenon have proven ineffective, as tackling mass absenteeism requires well-thought-out plans and proactive measures rather than reactive responses.

Reports indicate that some school administrations and teachers are sending reassuring messages to students, implying that the ministry is not serious about addressing absenteeism. This perpetuates a culture of non-compliance and undermines efforts to enforce attendance policies. Moreover, the practice of obtaining false medical certificates from health dispensaries not only promotes dishonesty but also strains healthcare resources and leads to unnecessary medication consumption. The tolerance of mass absences by school administrations and teachers is indicative of the shortcomings of the Code of Professional Conduct, overseen by the Anti- Corruption Public Authority (Nazaha). The National Integrity Society has previously raised concerns with Nazaha regarding these issues. To address this multifaceted challenge, the National Integrity Society proposes the following recommendations: The Ministry of Education should develop deliberate plans informed by behavioral science to address student absenteeism effectively.

Drawing upon international best practices in behavioral interventions, experts in behavioral experiments and payment should be consulted to design tailored strategies. The National Integrity Society stands ready to contribute to the development of these measures. Nazaha should reassess its approach to issuing the Code of Job Conduct, acknowledging the evident shortcomings of the current framework. A thorough review is necessary to ensure that the Code effectively addresses issues of integrity and professional conduct within the education sector. By implementing these recommendations, Kuwait can work towards fostering a culture of integrity within its education system, thereby safeguarding national values and promoting academic excellence.