Kuwait Shuts Down All Fundraising Activities In Schools

The Kuwait Ministry of Education has officially prohibited the collection of all types of charitable donations in schools, whether from students, staff, or parents. This directive was confirmed in a circular issued by Maryam Al-Enezi, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Development and Activities, addressing all educational districts, including private, religious, and special education schools.

This move is aligned with the Ministry of Social Affairs' broader initiative to temporarily suspend fundraising activities and to prevent educational institutions from being used for purposes outside their core academic responsibilities.

Preserving School Environments from Non-Educational Activities

Al-Enezi emphasized that charitable giving holds deep cultural and national significance in Kuwait, reflecting the country’s strong values of solidarity and generosity. However, she pointed out the current need to regulate charitable mechanisms across all public and private facilities, including schools.

Clear Instructions and Legal Consequences

• All forms of charitable donations within schools are strictly prohibited.
• Organizing events or exhibitions to collect donations—monetary or in-kind—is not allowed without prior approval from the relevant authorities.
• Schools must adhere to Ministry of Education Circular No. 59, dated November 2, 2023.

Violations of these directives will expose school administrations to legal accountability under the ministry’s existing regulations.

Compliance Urged Across All Educational Institutions

School principals and educational administrators have been urged to ensure full compliance with the new rules to safeguard the reputation and neutrality of the academic environment. The Ministry reiterated its stance that any deviation from the guidelines would result in immediate legal action and potential disciplinary measures.

Contextual Background and Related Measures

This decision aligns with recent actions taken by Kuwaiti authorities to regulate activities within public institutions. For instance, similar oversight has been enforced on the management of public funds in cooperative societies, and initiatives to monitor school safety have also gained momentum in recent months.