Magic of ‘poetry collections’ and the surplus of teachers
“THE revered month of Ramadan in Kuwait holds unique cultural significance, reflecting a collective dedication to observing its sanctity. Throughout the day, there’s a sense of decorum and modesty in behavior, while evenings are marked by lively gatherings and bustling activity. This flurry of movement is driven by a shared commitment to embrace the blessings of Ramadan, often manifested in visits to various community hubs scattered across neighborhoods,” columnist Abdullah
Bishara wrote for Al-Qabas daily. “During this time, Kuwait experiences a flurry of activity, with congested streets and a cacophony of sounds as people search for parking spaces and make their way to Diwaniya gatherings. These Diwaniyas, a hallmark of Kuwaiti culture, continue to thrive despite the changing times.
“When asked about the enduring popularity of Diwaniyas, particularly by European visitors curious about this unique
Kuwaiti phenomenon, I explained that these gatherings serve as vital meeting points for diverse groups, particularly seafarers who flock to them, especially during the summer months. Here, they don’t just socialize but also settle financial matters related to their travels.
“It’s a place where sailors interact with ship captains, ensuring fair compensation and confirming their future intentions regarding maritime endeavors.
“I recall witnessing these gatherings firsthand, observing my brother, Al-Nukhadha, Issa Bishara, diligently ensuring that every sailor received their due rights. Trust is paramount in the maritime profession, and such gatherings reinforce the integrity of these transactions.
“Though the era of maritime dealings may have passed, the essence of Diwaniyas persists, evolving into forums for political and cultural discourse. Here, individuals engage in lively debates, share news, dissect government decisions, and analyze the ever-changing landscape of the Arab world.
“Additionally, these gatherings provide a platform for leisure activities, offering respite for those with leisure time to indulge in hobbies and pastimes.
“In addition to the maritime-related offices, there were establishments serving as reception spaces for various visitors, notably including the country’s Amir, where visits flowed freely without constraints. The tradition of “ghabqa,” or late-night gatherings for food during Ramadan, added to the social fabric, emphasizing camaraderie and connection, closely intertwined with the fasting experience and its significance.
“Within the Diwaniya setting, cultural and literary dialogues thrived, encompassing local, regional, and global news, with active engagement and interpretation of their implications on Kuwaiti society. The Diwaniya symbolizes the heart of Kuwaiti social life, serving as a hub for convergence, diligent analysis, and discourse from both domestic and international perspectives. Furthermore, it offers avenues for entertainment, including traditional practices such as reciting religious poems and storytelling, enriching the social fabric.
“A key aspect of the Diwaniya culture is its role as a secure gathering place, where both utility and pleasure coexist, ensuring comfort for families and attendees, free from anxieties or disturbances. While Diwaniyah gatherings exist in other Gulf countries, often centered around specific professions, they lack the expansive scope and significance seen in Kuwaiti Diwaniyas.
“During Ramadan, the influence of Kuwait’s Diwaniya culture extends beyond its borders, as Gulf embassies in Kuwait organize ghabqa events, adapting positively to the Ramadan atmosphere and its traditions, including ghabqa requirements.
“The geographical distribution of Diwaniyas reflects Kuwait’s diverse landscape with many historically situated along the coast, such as Al-Mullah, Al-Rawdan, Al-Nisf, Al-Asousi, and Al-Shamlan, while others like Al-Badr and Diwan Al-Othman are located elsewhere.
“Families who traditionally had Diwaniyas in old Kuwait have transitioned to newer residential areas, contributing to the emergence of Diwaniyas in suburbs and neighboring regions, including the southern areas characterized by a moderate desert climate.
“The Kuwaiti Diwaniya remains a bastion of intellectual and cultural enlightenment, a venue for socializing and mutual understanding, and above all, a pillar of comfort and stability -- a unifying force for Kuwaiti society, embracing its diverse sects and temperaments.
“Originating from the imperative need to unite maritime communities and foster communication among desert tribes, the Diwaniya has evolved into a cherished institution deeply rooted in Kuwaiti history. Over time, it has become a fixture in every neighborhood, serving as a vital part of both old and modern Kuwait. Its essence and significance are ingrained in the collective consciousness of all sects within Kuwait, symbolizing unity and solidarity across the nation.
“Can you believe it, the surplus of teachers in Kuwait? Al-Jarida newspaper, in its latest issue on Monday, March 25, dropped a bombshell with its headline: “Kuwaiti teachers reach 73,000, with a surplus of 23,000.” It seems the Ministry is grappling with how to handle this excess of educators, a dilemma reminiscent of my early days at Shuwaikh High School. Back then, I was brimming with idealism, believing in the profound impact teachers could make, akin to clergy serving society with unwavering dedication.
“In those days, we found solace in the praise and reverence bestowed upon teachers in Arabic literature, almost elevating them to the status of messengers in societal renaissance, revered across Arab, European, and international heritage.
“I can attest, having trodden this path myself, that there’s no need for diagnosis of the condition of teachers. Society expects them to embody exemplary behavior, transcending temptations, and remaining steadfast in their commitment to noble ideals. Yet, despite their sacrifices, teachers are undervalued, underpaid, and overlooked in societal discourse, a plight shared by educators worldwide.
“It’s disheartening that teachers endure meager salaries and diminished societal regard, their voices drowned out in public discourse. This is a universal reality for educators.
“As for the fate of surplus teachers in Kuwait, it’s a shameful reflection of inadequate planning and foresight. They won’t migrate or easily find alternative employment due to the unique nature of their vocation. Many of these surplus educators, driven by patriotism and idealism, responded to the nation’s call, embracing the challenges of their profession. Now, they await the Ministry of Education’s decision on their future.”
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“Tainted mind … The obsession with achieving membership in the National Assembly made some candidates lose their temper. They lost control of their tongues when they were struck by a turmoil of mind, God forbid, which made them agitated, intimidated and threatened by the government and those behind it. This is due to the Ministry of Interior’s implementation of the law against forgers of Kuwaiti citizenship. It happened until they lost their sight and insight, so each of these candidates started to flounder and utter words that are outside literature, morals and political work,” Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber AlAhmad wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. “They also uttered words beyond the subject of forgery, such as attacks on family members and describing citizens as informants whenever they report to their government. They called this legal procedure ‘sedition’, an attack on national unity, and other vocabulary and sentences that only the aggrieved new Kuwaitis could utter.
“We regret the former representatives and some of the candidates whose voices we did not hear and whose tongues are longer than them on other issues. They swore to defend people’s freedoms, interests and money -- an oath that made them chase the thieves of public money, yet they stand helpless in the midst of robbing the country, which they value. Its importance is not equal to the money of the world and those in it.
“Indeed, we see and hear something strange this time. For someone who acquired citizenship in a certain way and has become a candidate for legislative membership, we will not rely on him once he defends the forgers. We do not blame him because his relatives and loved ones are waiting for relief from him. Kuwait, as we say, ‘Aumah’, is eaten up and its people are reprehensible.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Interior must urgently activate biometric fingerprinting for everyone. Rather, it must consider changing the color of the nationality.
“Do not take anything from candidates with resonant speeches except their dinner, if you want, so that you will be safe, for the future of your children and for you to control your minds, which are greater than comprehending their ravings and their temporary cinematic acting these days.
“Be careful before you will regret giving your vote to someone who does not deserve it. Be responsible towards your homeland, which is of you and you are of it, by choosing those of your kind... May Allah grant you success and protect all of you.
“The torrent has reached a fever pitch. What we hear in the seminars of some candidates is neither considered freedom of opinion nor a presentation of the electoral program or a democratic wedding, as it is called. It is rather an absurdity and arrogance. It is an attack on all Kuwaitis, the first of whom are family members from parties that believe this method is their path towards success.
“Whoever supports and applauds them is one of them. The government must stop this unjustified attack and highlight its prestige like the governments of neighboring and non-adjacent countries. Your silence and leniency in front of this type of people and their moral decline will not be beneficial for you. This is the inevitable result that previous governments brought upon us, because of their chronic leniency and subservience in recent years.
“May Allah protect Kuwait and its people from all forms of evil and harm.”