The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) launched the "Awal Khutwa – First Step" initiative yesterday, targeting 10,700 new first-grade students across 103 government primary schools as part of the Back to School campaign for the 2026-2027 academic year, coinciding with the first day of term.
Run in co-operation with Rafeeq company, the initiative provides welcome gifts and school supplies accompanied by messages of encouragement, aiming to make the first day of school a positive and stimulating experience for every child.
The launch came during a visit by HE Undersecretary of the MOEHE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi to Al Rashad Model School for Boys and Al Bayan First Primary School for Girls, where he reviewed the arrangements for welcoming new first-grade students.
He toured a number of classrooms, shared in the students' first moments at school, and presented them with gifts from the initiative, in an atmosphere reflecting the children's joy and enthusiasm at the start of their educational journey.
In remarks marking the occasion, Dr al-Nuaimi said the MOEHE places the student at the heart of its priorities and is keen to provide an attractive and stimulating educational environment that embraces students from their first day.
He said the ministry wants every boy and girl crossing the school gate for the first time to feel they are the object of attention, care and appreciation, and to realise that school is their second home, opening its doors with love and safety before science and knowledge.
The undersecretary commended the partnership with the private sector, stressing that the "First Step" initiative reflects the integration of roles between national institutions and the private sector in supporting education and promoting social responsibility, contributing to raising a qualified generation capable of continuing Qatar's path of development and progress.
The initiative stems from the MOEHE's keenness to prepare new students for the school environment in an atmosphere of reassurance and joy, and to enhance their sense of belonging from the first day, helping form a positive image of school as a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment.
Its importance also stems from the belief that early beginnings leave a deep impression on a child's memory, strengthening self-confidence, connection to school and psychological stability — all reflected positively in their educational experience in its early stages.