A student attends a drive-through graduation ceremony at Kuwait Technical College (K-Tech) in Ahmadi Governorate, Kuwait, Sept. 9, 2020. Kuwait Technical College (K-Tech) celebrated its students' graduation in the first of its kind drive-through ceremony. More than 125 students gathered in the university's parking lot to receive their degree while driving-through to the president and keeping social distancing protocols in place. (Xinhua)
KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered universities across Kuwait and large group gatherings, including graduations, were cancelled.
Some universities in the Arab country tried to find safe ways to make sure the graduation celebration goes on.
Kuwait Technical College (K-Tech) celebrated its students' graduation in the first of its kind drive-through ceremony.
More than 125 students gathered in the university's parking lot to receive their degree while driving-through to the president and keeping social distancing protocols in place.
Some graduates expressed their thanks for the impressive and heartwarming celebration.
Fares Al-Mutairi, one of the graduates who major in management information systems, told Xinhua that the drive-through ceremony was unexpected.
"The ceremony was very satisfying and I had an amazing experience because whether the graduation was a drive-through or a regular one it was a unique experience and I will never forget it! I will forever be grateful to my college," he said with smile.
Tariq Walid Al-Eissa, who majors in businesses management at K-Tech, said that the ceremony was much better than what he expected.
"The graduation was one of the most beautiful days of my life after a long journey in studying that took place despite many obstacles that our country and the world are going through," he said.
"Much appreciation to each person who has made this day happen and give us memorial graduation that will always be in our memory," he noted.
Meanwhile, many universities in Kuwait held virtual celebrations for graduates.
The Arab Open University (AOU) of Kuwait held a virtual ceremony celebrating the graduation of its students, honoring top graduates from its branches in eight countries via live broadcast.
Accoring to the graduates and their parents, the virtual ceremony contributed greatly to raising their spirits, and left a positive impact on them at a time when they did not expect to celebrate their graduation in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Ali Hesham, a graduate accountant at AOU, told Xinhua that the graduation under the current circumstances is unique as it was celebrated virtually from a distance.
On the other hand, some parents emphasized that the costs of traditional celebrations are expensive, while the virtual ceremony saves 75 percent of the costs that were spent on organizing the traditional ones.
Um Israa, mother of a graduate, told Xinhua the virtual ceremony allowed all family members to attend and see unlike the traditional ceremony, which was limited to a certain number of tickets for family and friends. Enditem
