Raising children in Kuwait
There are many international schools in Kuwait. The education system is divided into elementary, intermediate, and secondary levels, each of which consists of four years of study. Many Kuwait nationals and expats send their children to private international schools. International schools follow the curriculum of their home countries, and the majority of teachers are expats. There are many American, British, and French schools within Kuwait in addition to many bilingual, international, and government schools.
Schools in Kuwait
Childcare in Kuwait
The majority of expat women in Kuwait have children. Finding a group of moms to get together for play dates or coffee after the kids have gone to school is very easy. In many cases, it is much easier to meet other expats and find new friends when you do have children than if you don't.
It's very common for expats to hire nannies and maids to assist in the care of their children. Many of these maids and nannies are live-in, so an extra bedroom will be essential. Compared to similar services in Western countries, these services in Kuwait are quite affordable. Drivers can also be employed to drive children to and from school.
Daycares and after school activities
Kuwait has a multitude of daycare centres, some of which are associated with the private schools. There are bilingual and unilingual daycares available based on your preference. Kuwait offers many summer and winter camps to keep kids busy when school is out. There is no shortage of after school activities and sports teams for nearly anything your child would like to join ' tennis, swimming, football, ballet, ice skating, hockey, horseback riding, and basketball are all popular sports. Music, art, and cooking classes are also available.
Good to know:
School hours, as well as working hours, are reduced during the month of Ramadan.
Having a baby in Kuwait
Kuwait highly values pre-natal care and is very supportive of mothers-to-be, but there are no birthing classes in Kuwait. Having a baby in Kuwait is very safe and covered by most insurance plans for private hospitals, many of which seem more like five-star hotels. However, it is illegal for an unwed couple to have a baby in Kuwait ' you must provide your marriage certificate or some type of proof of marriage.
Being born in Kuwait does not grant your baby dual citizenship of Kuwait and your home country. The child will take the same citizenship as the father. You must apply for a residency permit for your baby within 60 days of birth. Copies of both parent's passports, Civil ID's, marriage licence, work permit, and certificate of employment are needed for processing the baby's residency permit.
Adoption in Kuwait is very rare, however, there is one orphanage in Kuwait and adoption is possible here.
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