Kuwait Celebrates International Literacy Day With Exemplary Achievements

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Sara Al-Mukhaizeem
KUWAIT, Sept 8 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait joins nations and international organizations in marking International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8, highlighting its longstanding commitment to combating illiteracy and advancing education for all segments of society.
Since the early days of its modern development, Kuwait recognized the fundamental role of education in nation-building and human development, placing it at the center of its public policy and allocating substantial resources to promote literacy across all age groups.
The Ministry of Education began formal literacy efforts in 1957, opening adult education and literacy centers nationwide to serve older generations who had missed the opportunity for formal schooling during their youth.
Following its independence, Kuwait enacted Law No. 11 of 1965 on compulsory education, which guaranteed free and mandatory schooling for all Kuwaiti children, male and female, from primary through intermediate levels, supported by proper infrastructure and qualified teaching staff.
Kuwait also prioritized public investment in education, resulting in one of the highest spending rates globally on the sector; in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, approximately 12.6 percent of the national budget was dedicated to education.
These continuous efforts yielded significant results, with the adult male illiteracy rate falling to 0.14 percent and the female rate to around two percent in 2024, reflecting a nationwide decline in illiteracy and the success of inclusive policies.
Kuwait's literacy campaign evolved in three phases: the first 1950-1957 focused on workers in schools, hospitals, and the armed forces; the second 1957-1981 introduced formal literacy centers for men and women across the country.
The third stage began with the issuance of the Literacy Law in 1981, which included 23 articles aimed at eradicating illiteracy entirely, leading to the establishment of more than 100 literacy centers in all governorates of Kuwait.
A ministerial decision in 1982 officially defined an "illiterate" as any individual over the age of 14 who had not completed education equivalent to fourth grade and was not enrolled in formal schooling at the time.
The literacy programs did not only serve Kuwaitis and GCC nationals; expatriates from selected communities and individuals with disabilities also benefited from educational opportunities as part of Kuwait's inclusive approach to human development.
Kuwait has successfully met the Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education, ensuring access to textbooks, modern curricula, digital learning tools, nutritious school meals, and healthcare support within the education system.
As part of its long-term national vision, "New Kuwait 2035," the country continues to advance its education system, with a focus on building human capital and ensuring quality, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
International Literacy Day, established by UNESCO in 1966, serves to remind the global community that literacy is not only a basic human right but also a pillar of dignity, inclusion, and sustainable social and economic development.
Kuwait remains steadfast in its commitment to literacy, striving to build a knowledgeable, empowered society capable of contributing to regional and global progress in line with international development agendas. (end)
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