KUWAIT: As Kuwait marks the 35th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion, key national institutions are remembering the resilience and dedication of their staff during one of the country’s darkest chapters. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) reflected on its humanitarian response during the invasion, calling it a “unique model in crisis response.”

KRCS Secretary-General Dr Fahad Al-Mandeel told KUNA on Friday that despite extremely limited resources, the society continued to support Kuwaiti citizens thanks to backing from the political leadership and cooperation with Gulf and international humanitarian organizations. “The government’s support at home and abroad, and coordination with international and Gulf entities, allowed the society to carry on its mission under occupation,” he said.

KRCS temporarily relocated its headquarters to Bahrain, where it trained 250 volunteers to deliver aid to hospitals like Mubarak Al-Kabeer and to refugee camps in areas such as Al-Abdali. Volunteers also worked in bakeries, hospitals, and in transporting the wounded.

Al-Mandeel emphasized the courage shown by the society’s volunteers, who operated under surveillance, with limited communication, and despite the detention of some board members. “Our work during the invasion revealed unprecedented bravery,” he said. The society also documented human rights violations and helped relay the suffering of the Kuwaiti people to the international community through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Reflecting on the invasion’s legacy, Al-Mandeel said the experience shaped Kuwait’s humanitarian sector. “The invasion marked a turning point in Kuwait’s relief efforts, strengthening volunteerism and creating a more effective response model that still defines our work today.” “What the society accomplished during that time remains a shining chapter in Kuwait’s history of dignity and humanitarian commitment,” he added.

Documenting violations

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Saturday that it played a crucial national role in protecting airport infrastructure and documenting violations committed during the occupation. “We recall with pain and sorrow those difficult moments our country endured, and the blatant assault on its sovereignty, security, and stability,” the DGCA said in a statement to KUNA.

The authority said its personnel took the initiative to preserve airport facilities and record the damages inflicted by the invading forces. “Employees of Civil Aviation documented the violations and crimes that targeted airport facilities, including the destruction of key buildings, equipment, and systems,” the statement read, noting that the evidence helped Kuwait later present undeniable proof of these attacks.

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti martyrs who stood up to the 1990 Iraqi invasion are being remembered this week for their bravery and sacrifice. During the brutal seven-month invasion, Kuwaitis from all walks of life took up arms or supported the resistance in less visible but equally vital ways. “The martyrs of Kuwait wrote eternal epics with their pure blood,” said Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) in a special feature. “They became symbols of sacrifice in the face of occupation and left a profound impact on the national consciousness.”

Some were killed on the battlefield. Others were tortured to death or lost their lives in daring operations to protect fellow citizens. The Kuwaiti resistance played a critical role in confronting the occupiers — carrying out intelligence missions, sabotaging supply lines and targeting enemy forces. “This resistance was united, composed of various segments of Kuwaiti society, making it an everlasting example of national unity,” the feature noted.

KUWAIT: A car which belonged to Martyr Bader Al-Eedan is displayed at the Qurain Martyrs Museum. — KUNA photos

In the aftermath of liberation, the Kuwaiti government moved swiftly to ensure these sacrifices would never be forgotten. In 1991, it established the Kuwait Martyr Bureau to support the families of the fallen and to preserve their legacy. Projects like Al-Shaheed Park and the Qurain Martyrs Museum were created to document their stories and inspire future generations.

Today, Kuwaitis continue to draw strength from those memories. “They march in the footsteps of their martyrs, preserving the nation and its flag, drawing lessons of sacrifice and unity from their stories,” the report said.

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) has kicked off this year’s “My Right Start” campaign with a dedicated booth at The Avenues Mall, offering in-person guidance for high school graduates applying to the institute for the 2025/2026 academic year. The booth will be open daily from 10 am to 10 pm until August 7 and aims to answer questions about admissions and post-graduation job placement, in coordination with various government entities.

“This is an annual guidance campaign targeting recent high school graduates interested in joining PAAET’s colleges and institutes,” said Dr Hassan Al-Fajjam, Director General of the Authority. He added, “For this academic year, applications are open for five colleges and five institutes offering nearly 60 specializations aligned with labor market needs.”

But this year’s campaign comes with a number of changes. According to Dr. Fawzi Al-Doukhi, Dean of Admissions and Registration, admission for the 2025/2026 academic year is limited to Kuwaiti nationals only. Applications will be accepted from August 5 to August 18.

Al-Doukhi announced a major addition to the academic offerings: a new four-year Bachelor’s degree in Fire Engineering Technology in collaboration with the General Fire Force. “Graduates will be appointed directly as engineering officers in the force,” he said. The admission process has also been updated with stricter requirements and new procedures. “All admitted students must confirm their acceptance online. Failure to do so within the deadline will result in cancellation,” Al-Doukhi explained. A retraction after confirmation will also incur a KD 20 fee.

In another key change, applicants to medical programs—including nursing and health sciences—must now submit a certificate proving they are free of specific infectious diseases. “Students accepted into these specializations must collect a health clearance form from PAAET’s main building in Adailiya, have it stamped, and then undergo testing at the Ministry of Health. The approved certificate must be submitted during interviews at the respective colleges,” Al-Doukhi said. He urged applicants to visit the Admissions and Registration webpage on PAAET’s official website to review the available majors, admission thresholds, and specific requirements for each field. — KUNA