The 18 children from Qatar University’s Early Childhood Centre (ECC) who graduated on Tuesday, pose for a commemorative photo. In her welcoming address, College of Education (CED) associate dean for student affairs Dr Fatima al-Maadadi said ECC tries to develop very best practices for the education of young children.“We focus not only on their academic achievements but also on developing them as well-rounded individuals,” she explained. ECC academic supervisor Dr Hoda Basheer gave parents a virtual tour of the Centre, highlighting the range of daily activities in which the children participated.Trips to Katara, Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, and a supermarket where they learned to identify healthy and unhealthy foods, a baking session, science experiments, craftwork, and learning to read and write were part of the itinerary. Dr Basheer explained that the Centre has this year adopted a new educational programme based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which involves redesigning the classrooms to accommodate more project-based, child-led learning. Alumnus Majed al-Boflasi spoke about his experiences at the ECC. Graduation certificates were presented by Dr al-Maadadi and CED Dean Dr Hissa Sadiq. Lamiaa Mahrous, mother of four-year-old Saleh Mohamed, said her son enjoyed himself at the ECC. “I am really pleased that they learned by doing things for themselves, which is so important,” she added.
