Young voices

Nearly a quarter of Kuwait's entire population is under the age of 14 and yet with the exception of school assemblies, we never hear their voices. During Ramadan, Kuwait Times likes to publish a special series that engages with its readership in a more direct, personal way to learn their concerns, issues and viewpoints.

This Ramadan, we will chat with some of our youngest readers about their lives in Kuwait, in an attempt to see the world through their eyes. What do they see for the future of our beautiful country? What would they improve and how would they change it? By listening to their future plans, stories, and experience in Ramadan, we can remind ourselves and hopefully our readers of the ties that bind us all together as a species. These are the voice of Kuwait's future and we invite them to share their thoughts with us here.

Jassem Mohammed Wifak is an 8-year-old boy studying at Pakistan English School.

Kuwait Times: What do you know about Ramadan?

Jassem: Ramadan is the month of fasting which includes lots of samosas, Luqaimat (dumplings) and girgian. I like going house-to-house singing for candies.

KT: What are your favorite toys?

Jassem: I have a toy bow that I like. I also like reading books. They are like my toys, because in every book I read, I see my favorite characters and places.

KT: Do you have pets?

Jassem: I have a cat. Her name is Bella. She is cute and I love to play

with her.

KT: What you think about Kuwait?

Jassem: I love Kuwait. This is my country - I am a Kuwaiti. It is hot here, but it is full of beautiful people!

KT: What do you love about Kuwait?

Jassem: I love the Kuwait Towers and I love to visit Japanese food restaurants and Wafra with my parents. I like Japanese food, The Avenues Mall and the Marina Beach Crescent.

KT: What place do you wish to visit?

Jassem: I would like to visit Malaysia maybe.

KT: What about the places you have visited. What are the best things that you enjoyed there?

Jassem: I went with my parents to Morocco. I love the place and the food is really delicious!

KT: How are you able to help in household chores?

Jassem: I help by throwing the garbage and putting my toys and clothes in the closet.

KT: It is the school break - what activities do you do?

Jassem: I play with my classmates and with gadgets too. I read a lot!

KT: What are your best places in Kuwait?

Jassem: I like the desert in Wafra and Kabd. I like riding all-terrain vehicles (ATV). I love activities like hunting wild birds and watching insects.

By Ben Garcia