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Coded aims to train 1,000 students at 5th edition of ‘Kuwait Codes’ program

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KUWAIT: Coded launched the fifth edition of Kuwait Codes on Thursday, an initiative that has been running for over four years, aimed at equipping Kuwaiti youth with essential programming skills. On the sidelines of the press conference hosted at Kuwait University, Ahmad Maarafi, co-founder and CEO of Coded, told Kuwait Times about the program’s impact on nurturing young talent and preparing them for the evolving job market. “As we start the fifth year, our goal is to train 1,000 students, including high school students and ninth graders, with the skills needed to thrive in the digital era.”

Maarafi underscored the rapid advancements in AI and the necessity for Kuwaiti youth to stay ahead of global trends. “If we do not keep up with these technological advancements, we risk falling behind both regionally and internationally. Our students are full of creativity and potential; all they need is an opportunity. This is precisely what we offer through this program.” The program continues to attract students from diverse academic backgrounds, including medicine, engineering, and design, reinforcing the idea that coding and AI are not confined to the tech industry but are becoming essential across all fields.

Strategic partnerships

Dr Hanadi Abdelsalam, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Research at Kuwait University, expressed the university’s pride in hosting and supporting the initiative. “Kuwait University is always delighted to facilitate community-driven programs like ‘Kuwait Codes.’ Our role is to provide space, infrastructure, and resources to support both trainers and students,” she said. This year, Abdelsalam added, the initiative is being hosted at the College of Life Sciences, reflecting the university’s commitment to rotating the program across various faculties.

Faisal Duwaihees, Head of Corporate Relations at Zain Kuwait, reiterated the company’s commitment as a strategic partner of Coded. “We at Zain are proud to support ‘Kuwait Codes’ in its new season. Over the past four editions, more than 3,500 students have benefited from this initiative. As a leading digital service provider, it is our duty to empower Kuwaiti youth with the necessary technological skills for the future job market.” Duwaihees detailed Zain’s multi-faceted support, which includes financial assistance, media outreach, and hosting workshops. “Our partnership with Coded aligns with Zain’s sustainability strategy, which prioritizes education and youth development. By supporting ‘Kuwait Codes,’ we are actively investing in the future of Kuwait’s digital economy.”

Media support

Hussain Sana, a content creator at Kuwait Times and Kuwait News, highlighted the natural synergy between the media and initiatives like ‘Kuwait Codes.’ “Our sponsorship of Coded is organic, natural, and genuine because both of our organizations are run by young professionals. Our management teams are in their 30s and 40s, and we both focus on empowering young people.” He further emphasized the shared values between Kuwait Times and Coded. “We align in our goals and our drive for quality rather than purely commercial results.

‘Kuwait Codes’ plays a crucial role in rallying and mobilizing young people interested in technology, coding, and programming. This, in turn, contributes to building a future workforce that supports the growth and diversification of Kuwait’s economy.” Sana also reflected on how initiatives like ‘Kuwait Codes’ benefit media institutions. “Even though we are in different industries, we share the same values and aspirations for Kuwait’s development.”

A forward-looking initiative

This year’s edition of ‘Kuwait Codes’ is set to introduce more AI-focused content, reflecting the global shift toward intelligent technologies. “Compared to last year, AI tools have evolved significantly. Countries like China are pushing the boundaries of AI development, and our role is to equip Kuwaiti students with the right foundation to harness these technologies for their future careers,” Maarafi noted. Several other prominent organizations, including Agility, Kuwait Finance House (KFH), and Alghanim Industries, have joined as partners in this year’s edition. Representatives from these companies expressed their pride in being part of an initiative that empowers the next generation with vital digital skills.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

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KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.

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Oil Ministry highlights nuclear radiation risks, underscores preventive measures

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Oil affirmed that nuclear radiation remains one of the most serious health and environmental challenges of the modern era, emphasizing Kuwait’s strong commitment to addressing this issue through an integrated regulatory framework, well-structured emergency plans, and advanced scientific monitoring networks covering various regions of the country. These efforts aim to ensure the highest standards of environmental and public health safety.

This statement was made by Sheikha Tamader Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Oil, during a health awareness seminar held Monday under the title “Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact on Human Health.” The seminar is part of the ministry’s ongoing initiative to raise community awareness and promote a culture of prevention among oil sector employees.

Sheikha Tamader lauded the efforts of governmental and technical agencies in enhancing public understanding of nuclear radiation dangers and preventive measures. She highlighted the role of such scientific forums in fostering a sustainable preventive culture across both public and private sectors. She added that the Ministry of Oil, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is actively conducting educational programs and specialized workshops to raise awareness about nuclear reactor risks and radiation leakage, while developing national infrastructure for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.

She stressed that prevention begins with awareness, and investing in education, training, and readiness is key to protecting people and the environment. She called for continued support of scientific and awareness initiatives and the strengthening of institutional cooperation among state ministries and regulatory bodies to guarantee community safety and environmental sustainability. In a related address, Salem Al-Azmi, Head of Radiology at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health, reviewed the health risks associated with nuclear reactors, their operating mechanisms, and the preventive measures adopted locally and internationally.

Al-Azmi explained that nuclear reactors are among the world’s most important sources of energy due to their ability to generate large amounts of electricity efficiently, but they carry serious health and environmental risks if not managed under strict controls. He described nuclear reactors as power plants that produce electricity through nuclear fission — a process where an atom’s nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing thermal energy that heats a coolant, usually water, to create steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to electric generators.

He noted that while nuclear power plants operate similarly to conventional power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, the primary heat source in nuclear plants is atomic fission. He pointed out that nuclear energy has comparatively low environmental impact on Earth and natural resources.

Al-Azmi outlined the potential environmental hazards in the event of a radioactive leak, such as contamination of air, water, and soil with substances like cesium-137 and iodine-131. However, he reassured that these materials naturally degrade over time and that effective environmental rehabilitation and mitigation plans are in place. He highlighted that potential effects on wildlife and agriculture, including temporary declines in crop and animal quality, can be managed and mitigated through safety protocols and environmental restoration.

Regarding preventive actions, Al-Azmi advised sheltering indoors in well-sealed spaces, which can reduce radiation exposure by half, using closed basements or airtight shelters, and wearing protective masks for the nose and mouth. He also presented information on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor, noting that it is solely dedicated to electricity generation with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. The reactor operates under full international supervision, is non-military, does not produce nuclear weapons, and is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait. — KUNA

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