HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development Chairperson, yesterday patronised the graduation ceremony of the sixth batch of Qatar Foundation universities, which was held at Qatar National Convention Centre. The ceremony was attended by a number of their excellencies the sheikhs, ministers, members of the managerial and teaching boards of the Education City’s universities, in addition to parents of graduating students. PICTURES: Maher Attar / HHOPL

Behind the success of this year’s graduates stand hundreds of proud parents who have made many sacrifices to see their sons and daughters accomplish one of life’s key milestones.

Ali Hamad al-Badr was happy to see his son, Hamad being recognised with an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ). He feels blessed to watch his son’s hard work come to fruition as he receives a degree in mechanical engineering.

“This day is indescribable. It is great to see that Hamad has been rewarded for all of his hard work over the past five years and to know that what lies ahead for him is undoubtedly a blossoming future,” said al-Badr.

Although Hamad, 25, initially intended to study abroad, he quickly changed his mind after learning about the challenging mechanical engineering programme at TAMUQ, which he felt would be the perfect match for his future career goals.

Hamad’s father believes that Qatar Foundation’s exclusive learning environment has significantly enhanced many aspects of his son’s character and enabled him to attain outstanding academic success.

“Being at university taught him how to manage his time and he succeeded at managing all of his school, family and professional responsibilities. Hamad even began to pursue his entrepreneurial interests,” the father said.

He recently received an award from the Social Development Center, a member of Qatar Foundation. His ‘BeehivEnurship Café’ project won in the New Venture Challenge category.

Al-Badr also praised Qatar Foundation for successfully establishing a unique educational environment that fosters creative thinking and upholding the customs and traditions of Qatar’s rich heritage.

He noted that the cultural diversity at Qatar Foundation enriched the academic experience of its students, exposing them to a variety of nationalities and backgrounds.

Reflecting on his son’s overall academic and personal experience, al-Badr highlighted the importance of investing early in a child’s education.

He urged parents to encourage their children to apply to the universities at Qatar Foundation. He said that they should support them in selecting the academic path that they would like to take, then let them choose the university that they feel is the best for them.

“Qatar requires qualified and talented youth to further the nation’s development across all sectors. Investing in a child’s education as early as possible is crucial to securing this success,”  he stressed.

Maryam Abdulkareem, the mother of 29-year-old Jowhara al-Qahtani, expressed her overwhelming joy at her daughter’s graduation from Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) this year.

“My happiness cannot be described. I am proud of my daughter because she has achieved her dreams. This is an unforgettable day for me and for my daughter,” she said. “Qatar Foundation has supported Jowhara by providing her with a world-class education.”

Jowhara decided to apply to WCMC-Q due to its renowned reputation as a leading university in the fields of health and medicine. She was also inspired by the mission and vision of Qatar Foundation to unlock potential and support young people in pursuing their academic and career ambitions.

Maryam Abdulkareem said the opportunity provided by Qatar Foundation for her daughter to study and receive a degree from one of the finest institutions globally has allowed her to achieve her educational goals while staying close to home.

Coming from a conservative tribe, her daughter has managed to maintain their traditions and cultural values.  

“The ability to study in Qatar has enabled us to practise the customs we are so proud of. At the same time, my daughter been exposed to the university’s wider cultural diversity, due to the number of students that it enrolls from all corners of the globe,” she said.

She added that her daughter benefited from the new knowledge and skills she has acquired. “Her character has also evolved dramatically. She became more independent, confident, and believed in herself to achieve the impossible.”

Students at Qatar Foundation are urged to acquire a host of interpersonal skills during their years on campus. In fact, many of them carry indispensable skills and memories beyond its campus grounds.

“I remember studying for medical college exams in the seminar rooms and all the amazing relationships I developed with the student affairs office while at Weill Cornell,” said Jowhara. “Being inspired by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Qatar’s vision ultimately made me choose Qatar Foundation for my education.”

After graduation, Jowhara will be joining a surgery training programme abroad. Upon completion, she hopes to return to Qatar so that she can work at Sidra Medical and Research Center and contribute to her country’s efforts to achieve a sustainable future.

As the fresh graduates of 2013 bid farewell to their university campuses at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and prepare to embark on a promising career, their parents reflect on the journey they have taken and the remarkable personal growth they have observed in their children.

 

 

BELOW PHOTO CAPTIONS FOR PHOTO 4 AND 5:

4) A CMU-Q graduate receiving his commemorative ring from HBKU president and QF vice president Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

 

5) Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales  addressing the graduation ceremony. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

 

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