High School In-Person Classes Resume in Kuwait, Balancing Safety and Education Continuity

Kuwait’s high schools are set to reopen for in-person learning on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s approach to balancing safety and education continuity. The decision reflects Kuwait’s commitment to prioritizing student welfare while maintaining the learning process under exceptional circumstances.

Since the challenges brought about by Iranian aggression, Kuwait swiftly transitioned to distance learning, leveraging advanced digital infrastructure and updated platforms to ensure uninterrupted education delivery. This flexibility underscored the State’s resilience in managing crises without compromising on educational standards.

The Ministry of Education introduced a detailed remote learning framework through Microsoft Teams, with high school students attending five daily classes of 25 minutes for theoretical subjects. Kindergartens operated via a non-synchronous system featuring four recorded sessions per day, while adult education centers continued with five classes. Behind the scenes, technical support teams actively resolved platform issues, while the Information Systems Department maintained system efficiency and addressed potential cybersecurity threats.

Interactive tools also played a role in enhancing remote learning, such as the updated “Salem and Abeer” application, which aligned with kindergarten curricula to offer engaging content, including educational games and activities tailored for young learners.

Amid prevailing uncertainties, the Ministry postponed short exams twice, on March 9 and March 24, to reduce psychological stress on students. On April 19, it introduced an “achievement assessment” mechanism to evaluate core subjects as an alternative assessment method. Additional measures were implemented to enhance education delivery, including revising secondary school hours to a schedule running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with six 35-minute classes daily.

The digital transition was further reinforced with the Ministry launching a digital library containing 1,417 digitized books and documents, ensuring students had ample access to learning material. Physical textbooks were delivered to students' homes using school buses and logistical resources, demonstrating a committed approach to educational accessibility.

Amid crisis management, development initiatives remained a priority. The Ministry introduced an artificial intelligence project and specialized training for outstanding students while preparing for the 2026/2027 academic year. Detailed studies on staffing needs, transfer requests, and school inspections for safety and maintenance were conducted using the “Balligh” platform.

Community engagement was emphasized through analyzing feedback from a public survey on curricula via the government “Sahel” application, with efforts to incorporate input from educators and parents. Recognizing the importance of mental health, the Ministry activated the “IstaShir” platform to provide confidential consultations by qualified professionals for students and their families.

Since February 28, Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei has held a series of meetings to monitor the educational process. Stressing that student welfare remains a guiding principle, he affirmed the commitment to ensuring continuation of education under the highest safety standards.

Preparedness for reopening was emphasized, with administrative and organizational details for in-person learning set to be announced. Integrated plans for each educational stage aim to ensure efficiency, stability, and balance between the rights and duties of students and teachers. Coordinated efforts with relevant state bodies will continue to prioritize safety while maintaining stability in the educational system.

Kuwait’s return to in-person learning comes after weeks of distance education, which began on February 28 following more than 40 days of Iranian aggression. This period saw significant casualties, including the martyrdom of Kuwaiti armed forces and border security personnel, alongside infrastructure damage. Despite these challenges, the nation remains resolute in its commitment to education and student wellbeing.