The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) recently recognized 104 public and private schools for their participation in the 2025–2026 academic year of the Bankee Program, an initiative designed to enhance financial literacy and promote values such as saving, financial planning, responsibility, and integrity among students. The award ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education’s theater hall in Kuwait and was attended by key figures including Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, Dr. Rana Al-Faris, Chairperson of the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), and Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of NBK.
The Bankee Program represents a collaborative effort between NBK, the Ministry of Education, and Nazaha, aimed at delivering an innovative educational experience that links financial awareness with moral values. Over the course of the academic year, the program engaged more than 50,000 students across various regions in Kuwait. It involved over 12,000 teachers and invested over KD 1 million in resources, underscoring its broad reach and influence.
In his remarks, Isam Al-Sager highlighted the pivotal role of the schools’ leadership and staff in the success and sustainability of the program. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond introducing basic financial concepts, focusing instead on preparing a generation equipped to make responsible financial decisions. Al-Sager pointed to the strong cooperation among NBK, the Ministry of Education, school administrations, and Nazaha as crucial to translating the program’s goals into measurable impact. He also stressed NBK’s commitment to continuing the development and expansion of Bankee, reinforcing its alignment with sustainable development goals and youth empowerment.
Minister Al-Tabtabaei underscored the importance of integrating character building and life skills development into the educational process. He described Bankee as a practical example of how financial literacy, integrity, and responsibility can be embedded in the curriculum and school activities. The Ministry prioritizes creating an environment where students not only acquire knowledge but also engage actively in applying it, thereby fostering a stronger sense of personal and national responsibility.
Dr. Rana Al-Faris highlighted the value of cultivating integrity and transparency in young learners through the program. She described Bankee as an exemplary model that combines financial education with ethical principles crucial for shaping responsible citizens and combating corruption. Al-Faris noted that the program has received recognition both locally and internationally, including at United Nations forums, and that a renewed five-year partnership aims to further extend its reach.
Throughout the academic year, Bankee maintained continuity despite challenges posed by remote learning, with schools playing a vital role in sustaining engagement and program activities. The initiative is recognized as the first of its kind in Kuwait to employ interactive and practical content to simplify financial concepts for students, fostering habits that contribute to financial inclusion and independence.
This approach aligns with NBK’s broader social responsibility framework, which focuses on supporting education and youth development as foundational elements for Kuwait’s future growth. The successful collaboration among the Bank, government entities, and educational institutions demonstrates a model for delivering impactful programs that equip the next generation with essential skills and values.