KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately-owned companies in the region, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) and Arab Open University (AOU) to provide underprivileged youth access to higher education, enabling them to expand their career opportunities in the future. The Education Fund is currently supporting 25 students pursuing higher education at the Arab Open University. The students were nominated and awarded through a competitive selection process led by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.

The three entities announced the launch of the fund during a joint signing ceremony at the Arab Open University campus in Ardiya, Kuwait on Monday, 29 April 2019. It was attended by Chairman of Alghanim Industries Kutayba Y Alghanim, Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Arab Open University, Professor Naif Al Mutairi.

Commenting on the launch of this fund, Kutayba Y Alghanim, Chairman of Alghanim Industries said: "We are honored to collaborate with our partners in the Kuwait Red Crescent Society and the Arab Open University, with whom we share our commitment to give back to our community."

He added: "Education is an essential human right that can have a truly transformative effect - it can unlock new career paths and create new opportunities. We are certain that providing access to higher education will help our youth find rewarding professional opportunities, positively impacting both their lives and that of their families."

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Dr Hilal Al-Sayer lauded Alghanim Industries' commitment to supporting the various humanitarian activities of the KRCS, especially in this unique initiative that enables and empowers underserved youth in Kuwait and the region.

He also noted that this initiative reiterates the vital role higher education plays in building a better future for students and their communities, urging both private and public sector entities to continue their efforts towards helping those in need.

A non-profit higher education institute with branches across the Arab world, the Arab Open University has provided affordable education to thousands of students in Kuwait to date. It offers flexible programs that meet the demands of both current professionals in the labor force as well as low-income individuals. The university offers bachelor's degrees in three faculties: business, computer studies, and language studies. Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Arab Open University, Professor Naif Al-Mutairi noted: "We at the Arab Open University are thankful to the generosity and support of the Kuwaiti government to the university, in addition to the ongoing support that we receive from the private sector and from generous donors such like Kutayba Yusuf Alghanim, one of our most generous donors whose contributions continue to impact lives."