KUWAIT, Sep 27 (Kuwait Times): The decision to extend the school day came after an extensive study, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Moudhi Al-Humoud said yesterday. "The Teachers' Society's opinion would be considered and we hope to reach an agreement with them on the issue for the best interest of the educational process and the country," Minister Al-Humoud told reporters during her tour, which included Mubarak Al-Kabir and Hawalli educational zones.

She wished students of intermediate and high school stages; who started their school year today, all the best. "We were briefed with preparations for the new school year, as well as following up on needs of administrations in order to provide a better atmosphere for our students," Al-Humoud, who was escorted by the ministry's Assistant Secretary General for Public Education Mona Al-Loughani, pointed out. The minister added that the e-learning project, which involves the distribution of a laptop to each stu
dent in public schools "is now in action," with the tender being set, as the ministry is keen to keep up with the latest learning-related developments.

As for surveillance cameras to be installed in schools, Dr. Al-Humoud said the tender have been signed and soon will see light. Regarding school clinics, she said preparations are underway, thanking the ministry of health for its cooperation. On her part, Al-Loughani said extending the school day will be limited to one day per week, with 25 minutes to be added to the 35 minutes of a period for school activities.

Students suffer from lack of activities of their preferences. We should
nurture the spirits of patriotism and educational and social virtues in them through these activities," she noted. Some 113,851 intermediate students and 176,000 high school students began flocking to their schools this morning in commencement of the 2010-2011 school year.