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‘Substitute Mother’ project set to expand after 14 years of success

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KUWAIT: Kuwait’s substitute mother project is preparing to enter a new phase of expansion, following the success of the initiative in achieving its intended goals. Launched in 2011, under the Ministry of Social Affairs, the project was designed to offer children in state care a life as close as possible to a normal family environment. Substitute mothers are trained women who take on the full-time role of a mother figure within institutional care. Today, six substitute mothers care for 22 children, each is assigned to a group of children, forming what staff call a ‘family unit.’

For five days a week, they are deeply involved in every aspect of the children’s lives — from attending to personal hygiene and academic needs to offering emotional support and maintaining daily routines. “Before the project, some children would call any adult woman ‘mum.’ That’s when we realized just how they needed stability,” says Dr Saad Al-Shabbo, Director of the Family Nursery Department. “They needed someone consistent — someone to read to them, comfort them at night, and help instill values. That’s how the idea of a substitute mother was born.”

Most of the children in care come from fractured homes, incarcerated parents, or are of unknown parentage. While some may eventually reunite with their biological families once circumstances allow, until then, these children rely on the structure and warmth of substitute family life. “I need them as much as they need me”. The role is as demanding as it is transformative, for both the child and the caregiver. “I’ve been doing this job for 11 years,” says Mishael Alshammari, a 37-year-old substitute mother who is unmarried and has no children of her own. “I need them just as much as they need me. We complete each other.”

Alshammari recalls how many children arrive emotionally shut down, burdened by fear, loss, or silence. But with time, she witnesses growth in their confidence, their ability to connect, their sense of self. “They call us ‘substitute mothers,’ but honestly, we do things even biological mothers might not do. Because this isn’t just motherhood, it’s a mission,” she says. “When the kids are sick, I’m the one holding their hand. When they’re sad, I’m the one listening. When a new child arrives scared or angry, I’m the one who comforts them.”

Substitute mothers’ role even extends beyond home, as they send their children to school, attend parents’ meetings, and stand up for them when needed. “We work on building them up in front of society,” she adds. According to Al-Shabbo, one of the clearest signs of the program’s success is the change in the children’s behavior and academic performance. “We saw immediate improvements, emotionally, socially, and even spiritually. They became more disciplined, more focused, more secure.”

Wadhah Almutairi, the Head of the children’s home, describes the vision as creating a household environment built on the concept of ‘brotherhood.’ “We work hard to instill values of equality, respect, and forgiveness,” she says. “When a child misbehaves, we encourage them to apologize to their ‘siblings,’ it reinforces that this is a family, not an institution.” To ensure the quality of care, she makes sure to invest in training. Substitute mothers are offered specialized workshops, including how to handle defiant children or those with special needs, to better prepare them for the diverse challenges of childcare.

Recognizing that teenage boys require male role models as they approach adulthood, the program expanded to include substitute fathers as well. Today, two full-time male caregivers support older boys at Kuwait’s safe house, a separate residential program for adolescents. “These young men enter their teenage years with strong emotional foundations thanks to their substitute mothers,” says Al-Shabbo. “But now they need father figures to guide them through the next stage of life, one that requires a different kind of mentorship and discipline.”

658 fostered children

Alshabbo explained that substitute parents must meet several criteria. They must be Kuwaiti, Gulf nationals, or stateless (bedoon), fluent in the local dialect and culturally aligned with Kuwaiti traditions. A high school diploma is required, along with prior experience or a deep sense of responsibility toward children. Candidates go through psychological evaluations, personal interviews, and a 90-day probation period. Once accepted, they are trained not only in childcare, but also in emotional support, discipline techniques and cultural sensitivity.

Beyond day-to-day caregiving, social workers play a crucial role in ensuring that each child’s emotional and psychological needs are identified and addressed. Every child has an individual case file, a holistic profile that documents their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. “This allows us to create tailored plans for therapy, guidance, and long-term support,” explains Shafaqa Al-Refai, a social worker at the institution.

While some children are cared for within the children’s home, others are placed with real families through the department’s fostering program, which has enabled over 658 children to be fostered so far. The program is limited to Kuwaiti nationals only. Despite its success, there remains a growing waiting list of 40 to 45 Kuwaiti families, many of whom wait up to three to four years for the chance to foster a child.

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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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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