The disparity in students’ assimilative abilities is a natural occurrence in various aspects of education. One of the disparities that is particularly significant is related to linguistic abilities, especially during the early stages of education. Another important aspect is the presence of learning difficulties, a problem that affects an increasing number of individuals every year.
In Kuwait, there are currently 7,197 male and female students who suffer from learning difficulties, according to statistics from the Public Authority for Disabled Affairs (PADA). PADA provides these students with all the necessary educational services in 25 private schools, for which the authority pays a total of 34 million dinars. Additionally, there are 31 schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education that also cater to students with learning difficulties, as reported by Al-Rai daily.
However, parents have expressed concerns about the lack of seriousness and qualification of these schools in teaching this particular category of children. They highlight the schools’ lack of qualified teachers and suitable facilities to accommodate the special needs of these students. Furthermore, there is a shortage of government schools that integrate students with learning difficulties into mainstream education, as required by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Kuwait has signed.
Although Kuwait signed the agreement in 2013, which made it obligatory to implement the integration within five years, it has not been fully implemented yet. There have been demands for its speedy implementation, as it is no longer an option but a binding commitment for the state. The agreement includes the ministry’s experience in schools in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, where 18 out of 20 schools have obtained international certificates and recognition for the quality of education they provide.
Al-Rai has discussed the challenges faced by this group and their exclusion from the educational system with several officials and specialists. They have highlighted the potential of these students, who have historically produced many scholars and geniuses. It is evident that there is a delay in integrating them into the education system in accordance with the UN agreement. This delay necessitates decisive action and increased awareness among officials and society about the importance of providing equal opportunities for students with learning difficulties.
Mubarak Al-Badah, Acting Deputy Director for the Educational and Rehabilitation Services Sector, Director of Legal Affairs, and Official Spokesman for PADA, emphasized the significance of the school environment in shaping the personalities of children with disabilities. Recognizing this, PADA has made efforts to provide comprehensive services to support these students. The type of disability and the quality of educational services they receive are determined through diagnostic assessments. Students with educational disabilities, such as difficulties or slow learning, are provided with inclusive education alongside their non-disabled peers. Their special needs are taken into account, and plans, programs, and curricula are tailored accordingly.
For more information, please visit the original article: PADA pays 34 million dinars to provide services for students with ‘learning difficulties’.
This article was originally published on TimesKuwait.
