KUWAIT CITY — Twenty-five Kuwaiti students were recently honored for completing the “Athar” initiative, a training program designed to enhance their skills and provide practical exposure to the investment sector. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma, who highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering a collaborative partnership between the private sector and young Kuwaitis.

Launched by the Union of Investment Companies (UIC), the “Athar” program aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to support their academic development and prepare them for careers in finance and investment. Speaking after the ceremony, Dr. Al-Jalahma emphasized that connecting students directly with investment firms offers valuable insights into the financial industry, while benefiting from the expertise of local professionals.

“The initiative provides an environment that enables students to acquire practical skills aligned with the evolving demands of the labor market,” Dr. Al-Jalahma said. He praised the UIC for its efforts in supporting youth development and called for continued cooperation between governmental bodies and the private sector to expand similar capacity-building programs. The minister also linked the initiative to Kuwait Vision 2035, noting that empowering national talent is essential for the country’s future growth.

Abdullah Al-Turkait, Chairman of the UIC, explained that the program is part of a broader commitment to youth empowerment through intensive training opportunities. The participating students, drawn from various universities across Kuwait, undertook a six-week course covering critical topics and skills relevant to the investment industry. Following this phase, students engaged in practical field training with several member firms of the UIC, including Arzan Financial, Al-Safat Investment, Tharwa Investment, Kamco Invest, and Noor Investment.

Al-Turkait underscored that this combination of classroom learning and real-world application is intended to better prepare young Kuwaitis for successful integration into the workforce. Both officials expressed optimism that the initiative will contribute to the professional development of participants and support the broader goal of cultivating a skilled generation capable of advancing Kuwait’s economic ambitions.