Educational transformation in Kuwait commences with societal enlightenment, according to Al-Dalali's viewpoint.
Fattouh Al-Dalali, an educator, media professional, and board member of LOYAC, has emphasised the need for a holistic approach to educational reform in Kuwait. In a recent panel discussion at the fifth season of the 'Al-Jawhar' media training program, she highlighted the importance of a supportive learning environment, modern curricula, and strong family involvement.
Al-Dalali's concerns stem from her observations of the current educational system, which she believes has transformed into a tool for brainwashing. She criticised interference by the National Assembly in government-led attempts to improve the education system, stating that such interference hampers the progress of educational reform.
One of the challenges Al-Dalali has identified is the adaptation to new curricula and educational philosophies. She gave an example of a "curriculum" system designed to identify gifted students, which she believes failed due to poor implementation and misuse by some educators.
In addition, Al-Dalali lamented the decline in the profession's status since she began her career in the early 1970s. She expressed concern that some people enter the educational profession today simply because it's an easy job option, which has damaged the integrity of the educational system.
The LOYAC Arts Academy (LAPA) is one institution working towards addressing these issues. Through its 'Al-Jawhar' media training program, it empowers youth with professional dialogue and hosting skills, contributing to the development of a supportive learning environment.
Al-Dalali's two-decade involvement with the Women's Cultural Association, an organisation actively advocating for women's political rights, reflects her commitment to promoting gender equality in education. She believes that meaningful change in education must begin with community awareness and has called for increased family involvement in the educational process.
Recent reforms in Kuwait's educational system include the introduction of new curricula emphasising knowledge, skills, and principles aimed at building a better future and strengthening the educational system. The Ministry of Education has also adopted a new organisational structure to modernise institutional work, create a flexible administrative environment, support digital transformation, and improve the quality of educational services.
However, academic research perspectives indicate faculty at Kuwait University face challenges in conducting educational research, which may reflect broader systemic issues in educational reform and research engagement within Kuwaiti higher education. These challenges, as well as Al-Dalali's specific concerns, require further investigation to accurately capture the challenges of educational reform in Kuwait.
The regional conversation on media, youth, and societal development was deepened by the participation of acclaimed Lebanese journalist Zaven Kouyoumdjian in the workshop. The event brought together participants from Kuwait, Lebanon, Algeria, and Yemen, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of educational reform.
Education and self-development advocate Fattouh Al-Dalali has expressed concerns about the politicization of the educational system in Kuwait, as she believes interference from the National Assembly hinders progress in educational reform. She also highlighted the importance of community awareness and family involvement in promoting meaningful change in education (general news).
Despite recent efforts to modernize Kuwait's educational system with new curricula and organizational structures, academic research perspectives suggest faculty at Kuwait University face challenges in conducting educational research, which may indicate broader systemic issues in educational reform and research engagement within Kuwaiti higher education (politics).
