by Social Culture Club

Layal was born and raised in Kuwait. After graduating high school she enrolled at Northeastern University for a degree International Business with a minor in Strategy. She then went on to complete her master’s degree from Tufts University focusing on Governance: Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership. Her passion for developing her own country led her to explore its history, identity, and socio-economic scene, which allowed her to publish her first book, “Kuwait: An Interplay of Socio-Economics and Identity” sponsored by Tufts University. The book explores the imbalance in education and encourages national dialogue to address it.

You’ve mentioned a clear educational imbalance in Kuwait’s schooling system. Can you elaborate on this imbalance and its effects on the youth?
The educational imbalance is evident when examining Kuwait’s national goals in comparison to the plans to achieve those goals. The current education system contradicts Kuwait’s vision for the future. It produces individuals who think one-dimensionally, lacking exposure to diverse perspectives, and primarily learning about the outside world through social media. Consequently, they often present their opinions as facts without critically assessing the foundation of their beliefs.
The education system in Kuwait needs transformation. It should foster collective intelligence, collaborative learning, and critical thinking. Education should be transparent and multidimensional, presenting various perspectives and facts. This approach gives students the freedom to choose and analyze, creating an environment that encourages questioning, creativity, and the potential for a knowledge-based economy.
Empowering children with choices instills trust and teaches responsibility for their decisions. This mindset is crucial for critical thinking and sets the stage for a more effective and competitive work environment.

How has technological development globally impacted Kuwait specifically, and how do you foresee its future effects on the country?
Technology has deeply penetrated our daily routines in previously unimaginable ways. From an educational perspective, individuals can now access global courses and master any subject. As technology and AI evolve, they may supplant many human roles. This shift prompts the question: How can we nurture a society adaptable to new job landscapes, evolving information distribution methods, and broader global viewpoints?
Emphasizing the human and societal aspects of learning, especially in digital contexts, is crucial. Subjects like Ethics, Differentiating Media Sources, and Cybersecurity are becoming more essential than basic computer literacy or software proficiency. Equipping our youth with the tools and knowledge to navigate our increasingly digital world is imperative.

You wrote a book sponsored by Tufts University exploring Kuwait’s history, identity, and socio-economic scene. What was the primary message you hoped to convey through your publication?
Throughout its history, Kuwait has had a distinctive outward-looking perspective because of its strategic location. While small, Kuwait wields considerable influence, marked by peace and individuality. Yet challenges like exclusivity and stagnation persist.
Kuwait’s journey towards sustainable development, aligned with its national goals of unity and transitioning to a knowledge-based

economy, depends on promoting critical thinking. Deep introspection and challenging our beliefs, though potentially unsettling, are vital for growth. Genuine educational reforms, grounded in clear visions and effective assessments, are paramount for societal and economic advancement.
You advocate for a national dialogue centered on education and national unity. What steps do you suggest to kickstart this dialogue?Initiating this journey requires open conversations with those willing to listen and comprehend, even if they hold differing views. Heightening awareness about the current situation is a step towards progress. Transparency is key in facilitating such dialogues.

How does the present education system in Kuwait counter the State’s objective of national unity and maturity?
Our current education system is plagued with censorship, ideological conflicts, and restricted freedom. It produces individuals with constrained viewpoints, which is contrary to the ideal Kuwaiti citizen we hope to cultivate.
Many grapple with basic skills like analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. The

widespread inability to differentiate between media sources exemplifies this. Such confusion fosters societal division, driving the nation further from its objectives.
By curtailing exposure to a range of perspectives, the present system stifles creativity and curiosity, hindering transformation and intellectual expansion. How can Kuwait aim for a knowledge-centric economy when its citizens are discouraged from thinking outside the box?

What key initiatives or policies would you recommend enhancing Kuwait’s education system, considering the overarching goal of national unity and stability?
Meaningful change relies on effective implementation. A persistent challenge is the gap between planning and execution. To catalyze progressive change, entities responsible for planning, execution, and evaluation should be distinct, each with clear roles and accountability. My book delves further into the design of these structures and their respective duties.

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