KUWAIT: It has been almost three months since the Minister of Education Moudhi Al-Homoud proposed raising the housing allowance for expatriate teachers from KD 60 to KD 150 , but the situation remains unchanged. Expat teachers are still expected to find proper housing for their families, with only KD 60.

The proposal, which was approved by all the concerned authorities, was put on hold until further notice. This was due to protests held by school social workers, lab technicians and other personnel who also demanded to be treated on par with their colleagues and receive a housing allowance raise.

Abu Adel, a 53-year old Egyptian teacher told the Kuwait Times that the situation has become very bad. "With the continuous price rise in the market, it is ridiculous how the Ministry of Education expects us to still manage our finances," he says.

The father of four children stressed that ensuring financial security for the academic staff in schools is vital. Expressing her shock at the Ministry of Education's policy, Noor Behbehani, a 34-year-old parent, said that the parliament members are to blame for the catastrophe the country is going through.

When expecting the school staff to perform their duties perfectly, the ministry must also ensure that they are paid well. How are we expected to entrust our children in schools where the teachers are underpaid, unhappy and unable to provide for their families? This will, undoubtedly, create tension between the 'mistreated' expatriate staff and the 'spoiled' local staff," she noted.

Tariq, a 38-year old Kuwaiti teacher who works in a public school says that the issue of underpayment has been troubling all the teachers. "Some of my colleagues are forced to take part-time jobs in order to provide for their families. I can feel that they cannot give more to the job; it really doesn't pay that much," he said.

Speaking from his experience working with expatriate colleagues, he says that the shabby apartment buildings due to the high prices of newer ones, the lack of financial security due to the limited benefits and bonuses, and the overload of work many teachers sign up for in hope of making more money is what ultimately destroys any abilities and ambitions they have once had for their job. "I say this because I know. I hear their stories first hand and I have noticed their performance dwindle over the years, explained Tariq. - Kuwait times