Manama: Kuwait's education minister has defended a controversial decision to extend the school day, saying that it is the result of an extensive study.
Moodhi Al Humood came under fire from the Teachers' Society after she went ahead with a decision to extend the regular school day by 25 to 35 minutes, to be added to the 35 minutes of a class for school activities.
Education officials say the extra time will be used to "nurture the spirit of patriotism and educational and social virtues in students, and help them get actively engaged in activities of their preference."
The teachers, however, have complained they were not consulted about the extension and say that the decision was an ‘emotional’ one and not based on a serious study.
"The Teachers' Society's opinion will be taken into consideration and we hope to reach an agreement with them on the issue, for the best interest of the educational process and the country," Al Humood told the media during a field tour of schools, as reported in the Kuwait Times.
The minister added that education standards would also be improved to meet increasing modern challenges.
The e-learning project, which provides every student with a laptop in public schools, is now in action, the minister said. "The ministry is keen to keep up with the latest learning-related developments,” she added.
