KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education announced on Monday that more than 4,155,000 textbooks have been distributed across various regions and educational levels, while the total number of students enrolled in public, private and national schools has reached approximately 520,000. In a statement, the ministry said that printing and delivery of the remaining textbooks continues daily to ensure full availability. Science and mathematics books for intermediate students are expected to be provided during the coming week.

As part of its digital transformation strategy, the ministry has also made electronic versions of all textbooks available through its official website and students’ Teams accounts. This allows students, parents, and teachers to access and download educational content at any time, ensuring continuity of learning until all printed textbooks reach schools. The ministry highlighted that textbooks for kindergarten through ninth grade were developed according to a new educational vision aimed at strengthening national identity, consolidating educational values, and aligning curricula with modern learning standards and 21st century skills.

The preparation process involved developing comprehensive content matrices, scientific and linguistic review, artistic design, and final approval for printing and digital release, reflecting the extensive efforts of specialized educational teams to provide advanced, student-centered learning materials. With the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, security agencies intensified field operations to ensure smooth traffic flow near schools. Personnel were deployed at main roads and vital intersections early Monday morning to facilitate safe access for students, setting a strong example of discipline and commitment.

Elementary schools welcomed first-grade students with colorful corridors and classrooms adorned with welcoming drawings. Joy and curiosity were evident on the faces of students embarking on their first school experience, while parents accompanied them with pride and anticipation. School administrations organized introductory programs and educational games to help children adjust to the new environment, boost self-confidence and ease their transition into formal learning. The ministry noted that the school year for remaining elementary, middle, and secondary grades begins Tuesday, while kindergarten students will start next Wednesday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: A team from the Kuwait News Agency’s Marketing and Training Department visited the offices of Kuwait Times and Kuwait News on Monday as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with local media outlets. During the visit, the delegation highlighted KUNA’s latest training programs aimed at supporting journalists and media professionals across news agencies.

The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in exchanging expertise and training services, reinforcing the shared role of Kuwaiti media in enhancing professional standards. The KUNA delegation toured the editorial departments of Kuwait Times, where they were briefed on the newsroom operations and content production process. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the state news agency and private media outlets to support the development of journalism in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications Meshaal Al-Zaid on Monday reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its role in international cooperation within the postal sector, highlighting the country’s active participation in the 28th Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) hosted in Dubai. Speaking to KUNA while leading the Kuwaiti delegation, Al-Zaid stressed the significance of Kuwait’s engagement in one of the world’s most prominent postal events, aimed at shaping the future of the global postal network, setting its policies, and reviewing and adopting the UPU’s strategic plan, with participation from representatives of 192 member states.

He noted that the congress, which opened on September 8 and concludes Friday, will oversee elections for the UPU Board of Directors and Investment Boards, responsible for administrative and legal affairs, regulatory frameworks, operational and financial planning, and the implementation of the union’s agreements.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, Eng Mishaal Al-Zaid heads the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress in Dubai.

“Kuwait has been an active member of the UPU since 1960, maintaining a strong interest in the election of board members and contributing actively alongside other member states,” Al-Zaid said. He commended the UAE’s efforts in hosting the congress, providing an ideal platform for member states to guide the development of the global postal system and adapt to the rapid changes of the modern era.

The UPU congress, held every four years, is the organization’s flagship event, bringing together ministers, heads of national postal institutions, and senior public- and private-sector experts. The current session is held under the theme “Leading Change to Create the Future,” reflecting the growing impact of e-commerce, digital transformation, and the increasing demands for quality, reliability, and cybersecurity. The conference will also include sessions to adopt the UPU’s new strategy for 2026–2029, to be known as the “Dubai Strategy” in recognition of the host country. — KUNA