The Mama Kefaya Center for Experimental Research and Development in the Social and Human Sciences, in collaboration with the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), launched the 11th edition of the “Partners” developmental training program on Sunday. The initiative aims to empower youth, including persons with disabilities, by enhancing their skills and promoting greater community participation. The program runs through August 26 at KISR’s facilities.

Kefaya Al-Alban, founder of the Mama Kefaya Center, described the program's goal as preparing a generation capable of advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and contributing to a more inclusive society. The program focuses on developing participants’ abilities across civic, social, environmental, technological, and economic domains, while aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10, which targets the reduction of inequalities.

Structured around self-learning, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences, the program seeks to equip both persons with disabilities and youth without disabilities with advocacy tools. Participants engage in workshops on public speaking, social communication, and life skills, alongside sessions covering Kuwaiti Law No. 8 of 2010 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the SDGs framework. Training in success skills, debate, and advocacy is also provided to enhance effective communication and foster leadership in championing disability rights.

The program operates under the auspices of KISR, with cooperation from the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, and the United Nations Development Program. It also draws on the expertise of members of Kuwait’s National Debate Team and professionals from diverse fields. This year’s cohort comprises 39 participants and nine supervisors, focusing on strengthening advocacy, community engagement, and raising awareness of disability rights.

Since its inception in 2015, the Partners program has trained around 250 participants with the support of 30 supervisors and 25 lecturers, while facilitating 13 community projects aimed at transforming learned skills into tangible social action. Al-Alban emphasized that the program's approach to disability rights advocacy transcends awareness raising, framing it as a societal commitment grounded in inclusion, partnership, and active engagement—principles that resonate with the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.