By Khaled Al-Mutairi
HAVANA, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti students began late Friday a trip financed by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) to Cuba by visiting the UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site of Old Havana.
The students were informed about the history of the old city which was established in 1519.
The students also visited the Arab Museum which holds a number of exhibits including the "Kuwaiti Tent" and a number of other traditional items which are on permanent display.
Speaking to KUNA, students Mohammad Al-Ka'ak and Rashed Al-Nuwai'em reflected their enthusiasm during their current trip.
They affirmed that it was very important to know the history and culture of other nations to widen Kuwaiti students' perspectives about the world.
They have expressed their pride in knowing that one of the oldest Mosques in the capital Havana was renovated by Kuwait in 2015.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Old Havana "retains an interesting mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments, and a homogeneous ensemble of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards".
The KFAED "be among the outstanding ones" students program began in 2010 part of a cooperation between the Ministry of Education and KFAED. It involves the annual selection of a number of high achieving 11th grade students who are sent on accompanied trips to see firstآhand KFAED and Kuwaiti developmental contributions and efforts.
Meanwhile, the students met yesterday with Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cuba Fadel Al-Khalaf and embassy staff who informed them about the history of Kuwaiti-Cuban relations.
The Kuwaiti diplomat welcomed the visiting students' delegation to Havana and called on them to use their time to learn about Cuba and its people.
Al-Khalaf took the chance to thanked KFAED for its ongoing efforts to develop the mindset of Kuwaiti students, saying that these trips will hopefully benefit the new generation of Kuwaitis. (end) km.gta