This was evident in 1912, when enlightened citizens decided to introduce modern education to the country, replacing the traditional Quranic school system run by the “Mullah.” Attempts to establish a modern school met with strong opposition, and many refused to contribute to its construction. After much effort, the necessary funds were raised, but the school’s troubles with the forces of backwardness did not end. After a while, a number of parents withdrew their children, objecting to the inclusion of subjects such as English and geography in the curriculum.
As a result, the school’s revenues declined, and it was eventually suspended for a period of time. The objections to curriculum development and the refusal to retrain teachers that we are witnessing today in Kuwait are reminiscent of what happened a century ago. At the time, opposition was justified because students might be influenced by ideas considered deviant, and that they would be taught geography, including the concept that the Earth is spherical, which some believed to be incorrect. Today, the argument has shifted to concerns about protecting religious beliefs. Yet this overlooks the fact that the fears expressed in 1912 proved unfounded, and there is no justification for the current fears.
Customs and traditions that were adopted a century ago have changed completely, yet Kuwait remains largely stagnant, while faith remains strong in the hearts and minds of its people. The state of education, particularly in public schools, is unsatisfactory. This problem cannot be solved simply by appointing a doctor, engineer, or even a rocket scientist to lead the Ministry of Education, because the process is far more complex. We have no option but to seek assistance from an international organization or a Western government to help put our education system on the right track, while ensuring that there is no external interference.
For example, we cannot commission an international engineering consultant to design a skyscraper and then interfere with their work by insisting that they use local sea rocks to build its walls. Education is not a car that we import from abroad and then decide to tint its windows under the pretext of customs and traditions. Rather, it is a critical national project, and failure in education means the continuation and deepening of backwardness. The consequences of any plan adopted today could be disastrous. The full extent of the damage may not become apparent for another decade or two. Since we do not have the luxury of time to continue repeating failed experiments, the government must remove all obstacles and entrust educational reform to the appropriate authorities.
Current indicators, including recent appointments and promotions within the Ministry of Education, clearly show that we are still facing the same problems, and that the decline is likely to continue. A friend of mine arranged for me to meet with a European delegation visiting Kuwait to promote a particular teaching method. I explained to the head of the delegation that he must have the courage to be frank with our officials and tell them that their educational program will inevitably fail if any party attempts to interfere with it or adapt it to conform to local customs and traditions. No educational program can succeed if it is not implemented as designed, free from the whims and preferences of some individuals.
The current teaching method, which relies heavily on rote learning and memorization and has been largely abandoned in developed countries, is at odds with the demands of modern education. Modern education encourages students to ask questions, think critically, analyze information, and engage in activities that develop and strengthen their cognitive abilities. Properly preparing and training teachers is essential, requiring them, at a minimum, to obtain a master’s degree. They should also be granted academic freedom and given the social and financial recognition they deserve, after ensuring that they have no affiliation with any political or religious group. I sense that something is being planned, but ultimately, no real development will take place, and the nation will pay a heavy price.
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