Maersk Oil Qatar’s educational outreach collaboration with Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq) has connected with more than 530 Qatari students and their teachers through more than 8,600 hours of experience-based learning in 2015.
The joint multi-year programme, known as Dhia: Engineering Leaders, endeavours to build the next generation of leaders in engineering, technology and science for Qatar’s knowledge-based economy by inspiring Qatari students to develop a passion and achieve advanced learning capabilities in science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM disciplines, according to a statement.
Young Engineers and Scientists programmes this month concluded the Dhia outreach initiative for 2015, which saw the total number of schools engaged reach 70 for the year. A wide-ranging programme of activities for teachers and students, in addition to academic research, is planned for 2016, the statement notes.
Dr Mark Weichold, dean and CEO of Tamuq, said the Dhia programmes enable the university to connect with Qatar’s top students to inspire their learning in science and stimulate their
interest in technical careers.
“Studies indicate that students develop interest in science at an early age,” Dr Weichold said. “Through these Dhia programmes, we are able to connect with young Qataris to demonstrate the importance of science and engineering for Qatar’s future, and we also are able to make learning fun.”
Dr Weichold also applauded Maersk Oil Qatar for its work in STEM education for Qatar.
Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad al-Thani, deputy managing director of Maersk Oil Qatar, said the company is focused on investing in Qatar’s long-term future through partnerships for educational excellence.
“Maersk Oil Qatar is proud to be one of the leaders in educational outreach in Qatar, making a long-term difference to Qatar and its people,” Sheikh Faisal said. “The achievements of Dhia in 2015 are a result of the excellent partnership we have with Texas A&M in Qatar in promoting unique training programmes and contributing to local skills and capacity creation. Learning is a continuous journey for us all, and we look forward engaging many more young Qatari students in 2016.”