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bp Kuwait, IDRAK empower youth through STEM innovation program

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Transformative initiative aims to inspire high school students to ‘reimagine energy’

KUWAIT: bp Kuwait in collaboration with IDRAK Training and Consultancy has launched a transformative initiative aimed at inspiring high school students to reimagine the future of energy through STEM-focused innovation.

In a press statement, Mubarak Jassim Aljassim, Chairman of IDRAK, emphasized the importance of corporate partnerships in youth development, stating: “We are proud to partner with bp in delivering this impactful program. It’s part of both our organizations’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development. This initiative supports Kuwait’s Vision 2035 by investing in the future leaders of science, technology, and sustainability.”

He added: “After the initial screening, we provided selected students with training sessions on various STEM topics. bp’s team contributed with their technical knowledge, while we supported them in project development and presentation skills.”

Adel Alansari, Communications and External Affairs Specialist of bp Kuwait, highlighted the social investment program’s scope and purpose, noting that the program started with a wide pool of student applicants. After multiple screening phases, they reached a final selection of around 50 students who are presenting their projects today to a panel of esteemed judges, adding “This program wouldn’t have been possible without our social investment partner, IDRAK Training and Consulting, whose support has been instrumental.”

The initiative, named “Reimagining Tomorrow: Kuwait’s Youth in STEM,” aims to bridge the gap between STEM education and real-world challenges in sustainability and energy. He noted that students were tasked with developing practical solutions in the field of alternative energy and environmental sustainability.

Nada ElGhossein, Director of IDRAK, announced the launch of the program, which invites students from grades 9 to 12 to develop projects aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She affirmed to Kuwait Times that they wanted to allow students to apply STEM in a way that directly benefits their communities and the environment.

She added: “The competition received proposals from 22 schools, predominantly private institutions. After a rigorous selection process conducted by a panel of engineers and environmental scientists, where 11 teams advanced to the final round.

ElGhossein noted that among the standout projects were a robotic device designed to collect marine waste, fully coded and 3D-modeled, vertical gardens irrigated using recycled water from school sinks, biodegradable “seed bombs” designed to grow greenery in barren spaces, a product made from everyday waste materials embedded with seeds, transforming litter into plant life, and an educational climate-themed escape room simulating past, present, and future environmental conditions in Kuwait.

She added, “It’s the first program of its kind for high school students in Kuwait. While we often see such opportunities at the university level, this program bridges that gap by engaging younger students in real-world problem-solving.”

She indicated that the initiative also reflects IDRAK’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility while providing professional training in sectors such as oil, banking, and leadership development, its CSR efforts focus on preparing high school students for the workforce by helping them explore potential career paths and societal challenges.

“Our goal is to equip students with the skills and awareness they’ll need when they enter the job market. This competition is one way we help them connect what they learn in school with the real world,” she explained.

The judging panel includes professionals from a variety of sectors, including Mrs. Mona Salem, General ICT Supervisor at the Ministry of Education and Sarah Al-Hubail, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Zain Kuwait. Anar Aliyev, General Manager of bp Kuwait who was also on the panel stated: “The students are presenting on diverse topics all related to renewable and green energy, all aligned to the UN Sustainability Development Goals.”

He added: “We are judging them based on six categories: relevance to the topic, feasibility, scalability, STEM integration, presentation quality, and alignment to the UN SDG’s, each scored on a scale of 1 to 5.”

Aliyev praised the creativity and depth of knowledge exhibited by the students, saying: “I’ve been following their work online and was truly impressed by their ideas. This generation gives me great hope. These students are the future of Kuwait, and they are the ones who will help transition it from an oil-dependent economy to one powered by alternative forms of energy.”

He added that Kuwait, rich in hydrocarbons, must now look toward a sustainable energy future, explaining that this initiative not only educates but also empowers the next generation to lead that transformation.

At the end of the event, winners were honored, and the first place went to the “Green Horizons” team from American United School. The winning team received a prize of KD 1,000, which they may choose to invest in further developing their project. The second place went to “Smart Sprout” from Al Bayan Bilingual School, and third place to “Sea Clean” from Al Ghanim Bilingual School.

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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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