Qatar Charity (QC) has signed an agreement with the University for Peace of the United Nations (UPEACE), Somalia, on a grant programme from Somalia's President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud to provide financial support to doctoral students, a statement said Tuesday.
Somalia's Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Farah Sheikh Abdul Qadir, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Mahmoud Mursal, and Qatar's ambassador to Somalia were present on the occasion.
The agreement was signed by Professor Samuel Kali, regional director - Africa for UPEACE, and Abdel Fattah Adam Muallem, director of QC's office in Somalia.
The agreement aims to provide scholarship for doctoral students at UPEACE University, enabling them to pursue their studies in their own research fields and contribute to building the Somali state and in promoting academic excellence, research, and innovation by providing opportunities for doctoral students to contribute to the sustainable development of societies through peace-related support.
Minister Abdul Qadir, said: "This agreement comes as part of the presidential grant, through which 100 Somali researchers from the university will receive grants for PhD studies over the next three years. Qatar Charity has become the first organisation that enabled the president to fulfill this promise and today has signed a grant for 40 Somali researchers."
Prof Kali, said: "The co-operation agreement in the field of education with Qatar Charity contributes to the investment of the Somali intellectual with the aim of contributing to the sustainable development of the country, through a package of disciplines that serve the security and peace process while empowering students with skills required for studies and research. The agreement also enhances the spirit of innovation among students."
Muallem, said: "Qatar Charity pays special attention to the education process in Somalia, as it seeks to contribute to building a brighter future for Somali generations. Qatar Charity has been working in Somalia for many years and has provided support in the education sector, including building and renovating schools, providing scholarships to Somali students, supporting teacher training programmes, and providing educational materials and supplies."
The agreement aims to provide scholarship for doctoral students.
