The education system in Kuwait may promote Islam, which is an integral part of the Kuwaiti identity, but it does little to prepare youngsters for the job market, according to some liberal academics.
The question of education reform is a sore point for the two main ideological constituencies vying for influence in the Gulf Arab country. "Our curricula will remain influenced by Islam and Arab nationalism; those who don't like it should leave the country," said MP Khaled Al-Adwah in December 2003, during the last GCC conference held in Kuwait. On this occasion, GCC members decided to emphasise their opposition to extremism by reforming their school curricula. At the same time, they showed the American administration that they were committed to fighting terrorism.
| Except for Mr. Adwah, of course... |
In parliament, however, conservatives and liberals continue to battle it out over what shape Kuwait's school curricula should take. Liberals desire a secularised society and a "Western" way of life. Conservatives, on the other hand, are promoting a state ruled by themselves Islamic tenets. Islamists have been trying to influence the education system in Kuwait for a long time. The Salafists, who seek a return to the fundamentals of Islam, have formed the majority in student unions for 25 years. Moreover, their influence has been growing stronger, especially after parliament voted five years ago to ban co-ed schools and universities. The question of Islamist influence on education in the Middle East and Gulf regions has been a priority for the US since teh September 11 attacks. Washington has been pressuring Kuwait to turn public opinion in favour of Western values. US policy-makers believe the key to defeating terrorism lies in altering school curricula, which are presumed to foment fanaticism.
| It's that "hate everybody who's not holy like you are, kiddies" thing... |
Dr Shlaman Al-Essa, a professor of political science at Kuwait University, believes the current curricula does not favour religious minorities, such as Christians and Jews. Speaking to Gulf News, he said the education offered to youngsters today promotes religious values, but does not prepare them for the job market.
| You've got to read more than one book... |
Conversely, Mohammed Tabatabei, a Salafist MP, maintains that as Islam is an integral part of the Kuwaiti identity, students must learn about their religion. "This education does not produce terrorism," he told Gulf News. "People like Osama bin Laden are enemies of Islam." A neutral position is difficult to maintain because it aggravates both camps. As such, it remains to be seen whether Kuwait will slip under American influence or retain independence. |