Qatar celebrates the International Day of Education today, recognising education as a major goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN. Qatar is committed to aligning education with the requirements of the current era, aiming to be a leading country in digital transformation in education. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) launched the e-learning strategy to equip Qatari students with high-level digital skills for a future heavily reliant on these skills.
To mark this global educational event, the MoEHE, for the first time, dedicated a week to celebrate the International Day of Education at the local level under the theme “Education is Everyone’s Responsibility.”
During this week (January 21-25), the ministry will partner with the Civil Services and Government Development Bureau to conduct various activities, including an educational dialogue session involving students, teachers, parents, families, and all schools in the country. The goal is to reinforce concepts of social responsibility and highlight the role of education in improving individual lives and advancing society, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).
Qatar consistently celebrates international occasions related to education, such as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, a Qatari proposal unanimously adopted by the UN in 2019. It designates September 9 each year to urge the international community to address the challenges faced by students, institutions, and educational centres affected by armed conflicts.
In a related context, Qatar observes World Teachers Day on October 5 annually, honouring veteran teachers in recognition of the importance of the teaching profession. This aligns with the joint recommendation between the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) regarding teacher conditions, rights, duties, and standards for their preparation.
Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar is dedicated to achieving the highest quality assurance indicators in the educational process. This aligns with the international Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the fourth goal focusing on the quality of education. Qatar envisions the future of education and ensures the right to education as a public good for all, in line with individual needs, abilities, and potentials.
Internationally, Qatar has established broad educational and development partnerships benefiting millions worldwide. The efforts and initiatives of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and Her Highness the Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation (EAA) Sheikha Moza bint Nasser are appreciated for their contributions to education and protecting it from attacks globally.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), MoEHE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Maha Zayed al-Ruwaili, emphasised Qatar’s celebration of the 2024 International Day of Education on January 24, affirming the state’s belief in education as a force for achieving Qatar’s vision and a foundation for building knowledge societies and achieving sustainable development.
Al-Ruwaili highlighted purposeful activities during the celebration, aiming to strengthen the partnership between parents and schools, emphasising educational and pedagogical dimensions. She stressed that community participation in the educational process contributes to putting students on the right path to becoming productive forces in their homeland.
The state’s commitment to quality, equitable education for all has led to global successes and achievements, consolidating Qatar’s position in education at the global level, al-Ruwaili added. Achieving ambitions requires ongoing effort and co-operation with state institutions to compete and excel globally, making education a long-term investment with increasing returns for children and society.
QNV aims to transform Qatar into an advanced state capable of achieving sustainable development by 2030. This necessitates establishing an advanced educational system aligning with contemporary global standards. Mandatory, free education with a modern and evolving system ensures no Qatari child of school age is outside the school premises. The education system offers scientific programmes, advanced curricula, and a comprehensive and diverse educational approach, focusing on ethics, Islamic values, and social principles.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education provides special education services through inclusive schools and specialised schools for individuals with special needs. Talented students receive support, and adult education programmes encourage continued learning. The ministry also offers parallel education paths for students unable to complete their studies in the general education system.
To align with modern changes and instil a spirit of innovation from an early age, the ministry dedicates a comprehensive foundational curriculum for early education, including kindergarten and the first and second grades of primary school. Specialised education schools, such as the Qatar Technical Secondary School for Boys and Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, prepare students for various options in higher education and the workforce.
Qatar’s commitment to education extends internationally, with a focus on promoting and protecting quality education for all. CEO of Education Above All Foundation, Fahad al-Sulaiti, emphasised the Foundation’s role in meeting the needs of vulnerable groups outside Qatar through effective international partnerships, with a special focus on Palestine and Sudan for this year’s International Day of Education celebration.
Various state institutions celebrate the International Day of Education on January 24 each year, organising interactive events to promote social responsibility and emphasise education’s role in improving lives and advancing society. The Civil Services and Government Development Bureau provided facilitations and guidelines for parents to attend celebrations and activities in schools.
Qatari educational efforts at various levels have solidified Qatar’s position in the field of education and highlighted its commitment to developing the educational system using the latest methods. Investing in quality education remains a top priority for Qatar, both nationally and internationally. (QNA)