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Friday, December 05, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Education" (42 articles)

Gulf Times
Qatar

QF launches Pre-University Education Strategy 2040

Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education (PUE) held its annual forum as part of the “World Teachers' Day” celebrations, honouring the dedication of teachers and educators.The event not only highlighted the achievements and milestones within the educational community but also showcased the inspiring experiences and success stories of graduates.The event also marked the launch of Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education Strategy 2040.It featured a range of engaging segments, where students and graduates – including sponsored staff through the Al Masar programme under the PUE, who joined QF schools in the current academic year – shared testimonials highlighting their experiences on both their academic and professional journeys.The programme included an awards ceremony honouring outstanding teachers and students in recognition of their contributions, alongside interactive activities that encouraged the sharing of experiences.An accompanying exhibition provided a platform to showcase educational initiatives and student innovations, highlighting the diversity and creativity within the educational system."As we celebrate Teachers' Day, we extend our deepest appreciation and respect to every teacher in our family,” said PUE president Abeer al-Khalifa.“You are the ones who turn challenges into opportunities, ideas into creativity, and who make a difference every day in the minds of our students,” she said. “Through your contributions, promising generations are built; through your efforts, our ambitions are renewed and our aspirations are achieved.”"This year, we celebrate educational achievements that reflect our commitment to innovation and to responding to the needs of our community,” al-Khalifa continued. “Among the most notable are the launch of the Islamic Civilisation Curriculum to strengthen our students’ sense of identity and belonging, the academic expansion projects at Qatar Academy Sidra and Renad Academy to meet the growing demand for school places, as well as the integration of the Military Secondary School with Qatar Leadership Academy, a strategic step that reflects our partnership with the Ministry of Defence.""Our gathering coincides with the 30th anniversary of the QF, three decades of dedication, achievement, excellence, innovation, and leadership,” she stressed. “This milestone inspires us and provides renewed strength as we shape the features of the Pre-University Education 2040 Strategy.""Through this strategy, we aim to build an integrated educational system that fosters the holistic growth of learners, instills in them a love for lifelong learning and pride in their identity and local culture, while enabling them to excel in a rapidly changing world,” al-Khalifa stated. “We also place great importance on teachers and experts, as role models within an inclusive and innovation-driven learning environment, and as essential partners in this inspiring journey, a key factor in realising its vision, achieving its goals, and turning it into a tangible reality."She concluded her remarks on the Pre-University Education 2040 Strategy by saying that "we reaffirm our deep commitment to protecting the Arabic language, strengthening identity, and instilling pride in local culture, through long-term partnerships at both the regional and global levels".

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, attended the World Teachers' Day in Doha celebration Sunday. HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater was in attendance, along with several senior officials, educational leaders.
Qatar

Education minister pays tribute to teachers for their noble profession

The celebration of World Teachers' Day, held this year under the motto "Giving That Bears Fruit for Generations", is an occasion to renew commitment to supporting the noble teaching profession and paying tribute to all those who uphold its great mission, said HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater.HE AlKhater was speaking during a celebration organised by the ministry to mark this occasion and added that the patronage of this celebration by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani embodies Qatar's recognition and appreciation of teachers as a core pillar of human advancement, development, and prosperity.This motto, she emphasised, is not merely an uttered expression but a reality realised by teachers of both genders, day after day, as every individual carries a memory of a teacher who left a sincere word, prudent guidance, or a devoted gesture that made a lasting impact on their journey.These moments, she said, may seem fleeting, but they are the ones that build confidence in students' hearts, open apertures of hope, and inculcate values of belonging and dedication.HE AlKhater affirmed that the education profession is a profound responsibility, which, through teachers' efforts and dedication, morphs into achievements that contribute to building human capital, strengthening the community, advancing the homeland, and serving all of mankind.She stressed that investing in constant development and training is not a luxury but an imperative to keep up with the rapid vicissitudes of the domestic and global contexts.The ministry is diligently working to implement the best global practices in accordance with the domestic context, as over 20,000 teachers of both genders have benefited from advanced training programmes throughout the past academic year. These programmes have been specifically designed to enhance professional aptitude and elevate educational practices, HE AlKhater underlined.She added that these initiatives include the Innovation Leaders Programme, which opens new apertures for innovation in teaching methods, the Successful Start Programme, supporting new teachers in their first year and enabling smooth integration into the educational environment, the Tamhin Programme, attracting young national talents to enter the teaching profession; the Khibarat Programme, sending teachers abroad to gain leading educational experience, and the Tamhuḥ Scholarship Programme, which has graduated over 1,650 individuals, with more than 1,100 students currently pursuing their studies under these scholarships.In 2025, 160 students of both genders were enrolled in the Tamhuḥ Programme, including 102 males, a milestone that demonstrates the motivational policies pursued by the ministry to attract young Qataris to the teaching profession, HE AlKhater noted.She added that the ministry continues to expand external collaboration with leading academic and pedagogical institutions in the region and beyond, sharing expertise and broadening knowledge horizons, thereby supporting teacher development programs and advancing education in various fields, particularly digital technologies and artificial intelligence, equipping teachers with sophisticated tools and providing students with innovative learning experiences that deepen knowledge and empower them to become trailblazers in a rapidly changing world.These diverse efforts underscore a strategic commitment aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, translating the priorities of the Third National Development Strategy, which places human capital as the primary pillar for building a diverse and sustainable economy alongside a self-confident community capable of competing and contributing actively to the nation's progress, she said.She indicated that the ministry is currently working through a professional panel to assess the reality of teachers' workplaces, with the aim of identifying the challenges they encounter and devising practical solutions to mitigate administrative burdens and strengthen educational systems.The key objective is to establish a motivational professional environment that provides all forms of support to fulfil the core teaching mission, foster innovation, and cultivate dedication, she highlighted.HE AlKhater further added that, despite its exalted status, teaching remains one of the toughest professions and carries the greatest responsibility.She emphasised that a teacher's passion and intrinsic motivation require support, nurturing, and encouragement to grow and endure. On this basis, the ministry has increased the value of the annual appreciation award this year and added new categories to honor teachers across all stages of their service.HE AlKhater extended her gratitude to the honoured male and female teachers, who embody exemplary dedication, integrity, and selfless service, while also conveying sincere appreciation to all teachers across the nation's schools for their tireless efforts that shape future generations, instill hope, and help forge the path to a brighter tomorrow.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QF schools’ teachers inspire, transform children’s lives: parents

Parents of students at Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education (PUE) schools expressed their deep appreciation for the pivotal role teachers play in their children’s lives on World Teachers’ Day.According to parents, a teacher is not merely a transmitter of knowledge, but a source of inspiration who instils values, uncovers hidden talents, and transforms the learning journey into a rich human experience that extends beyond the classroom.Dana Abdullatif al-Kuwari, a parent of a student at Education City High School (ECHS) under QF’s PUE, said: “I believe that teachers are the primary source of inspiration for my daughter, as they have helped her build self-confidence and given her the motivation to become more responsible in her educational journey.“The secret to a teacher’s success lies in their patience, passion, and ability to see the potential in their students. I clearly found these qualities in the teachers at QF, who provided her with opportunities to experiment and discover her talents, helping her strengthen her abilities and overcome challenges.”Al-Kuwari added: “I am grateful to the teachers for making the learning experience enjoyable rather than just about academic grades. They have instilled in my daughter curiosity, confidence, and the pursuit of excellence.”Wadha al-Maawdah, a mother of children at Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS) and Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), both schools under QF’s PUE, recalled how her daughter’s shyness at the beginning of the school year was transformed through her teacher’s support. “Her teacher involved her in group activities and collaborative tasks, and step by step she built friendships and gained confidence, which made a significant difference in her personality both inside and outside of school.”An alumnus of QAD, al-Maawdah added: “I witnessed this same dedication when one of her teachers recognised her passion for art and encouraged her to participate in exhibitions. This not only boosted her confidence but also transformed art from a hobby into a meaningful way of expression.“I am thankful to every teacher who has been a guiding light for my children and a source of support at every stage. Thanks to their efforts, my children’s educational journey has been enriched with knowledge, confidence, and personal growth.”Reema Said, whose daughter studies at QAD, highlighted how teachers’ encouragement extended beyond academics. “Their positive impact was especially evident when they encouraged her to participate in extracurricular activities, which enhanced her sense of responsibility.“The teachers at QF provided her with a nurturing environment that encouraged her to explore and discover her talents. Thanks to their efforts, learning has become an inspiring journey that enriches her personality with confidence and curiosity. For this, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to them for being the reason behind our children’s growth and success.”

Gulf Times
Qatar

Ministry of Education and Higher Education to celebrate World Teachers' Day

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education will celebrate World Teachers' Day on Sunday. The ceremony will honor a group of teachers in recognition of their distinguished contributions and pivotal role in preparing generations and shaping the future. The Ministry affirms that World Teachers' Day represents an important occasion to renew pride in the mission of education and highlight the role of teachers as the cornerstone of achieving sustainable human development, within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar's first university course on sustainable food systems launched

The MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education, the offshore campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University in Doha, has announced the launch of Qatar’s first accredited university programme on Sustainable Food Systems.It is supported by Qatar Sustainability Week (an Earthna initiative), the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Sustainability led by Dr Cory Flynn, and Enbat Group, a statement said.The programme is led by Ghanim al-Sulaiti, a Qatari entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and founder of Enbat Group.“This journey began with building businesses focused on healthy, sustainable food. But I realised that true change starts with education. This programme is about preparing students to be part of the solution — combining science, culture, and identity to design a more sustainable future,” al-Sulaiti said.The accredited curriculum covers: the scientific foundations of sustainable diets and their impact on chronic disease and public health; the environmental footprint of food production (water, land, emissions); the role of heritage, religion, and Gulf traditions as sources of sustainable wisdom; hands-on training in composting and zero-waste menus; and case studies with local and global relevance.The course goes beyond theory, giving students practical skills such as: creating recipes using local ingredients, reducing food waste in kitchens, designing solutions to cut the food sector’s carbon footprint, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.Dr Flynn, who teaches a sustainable food systems course at the University of Pittsburgh, lauded the Qatari initiative to launch a similar course 'on the other side of the world'.Earthna's head of partnerships and outreach Shireen Obeidat said the programme represents a powerful step forward. "By aligning with Qatar Sustainability Week and national goals, it ensures that students are not only learning about sustainable food systems, but actively shaping them for a better tomorrow."MIE-SPPU Doha president Yasir Nainar said the programme is the first step in inspiring students to shape a sustainable and innovative future.MIE-SPPU Doha's Department of Management Studies head Dr Sabiha Fazalbhoy, added: “This collaboration has given our students a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world insights."

Gulf Times
Qatar

Education Above All Foundation and Place Vendôme Host “Duck Release” Family Activation to Support Out of School Children Worldwide

In a vibrant display of creativity and community spirit, Education Above All Foundation, a global foundation for education and development, in partnership with Place Vendôme Qatar, brought together hundreds of children, families, educators, and mallgoers for the “Duck Release” activation, held at the iconic fountain area of Place Vendôme. The initiative forms a central part of EAA’s 2025 “Back to School” campaign, aimed at raising funds and awareness to support children out of school globally.The event welcomed enthusiastic participation from students and staff from Assalam Schools, Qatar Academy Sidra, Doha International School, and the Jordanian school. Families enjoyed a day filled with entertainment, meals, and educational engagement, while also contributing to a meaningful cause, supporting vulnerable children with access to inclusive, high-quality education.**media[361145]**At the heart of the activation was a symbolic gesture, thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks, each representing a donation of 25 QAR, were released into the water as a sign of solidarity with children who face barriers to education. Each duck released contributes directly to funding school supplies, scholarships, and classroom rehabilitation in underserved communities around the world.“This activation is more than just a playful installation, it’s a powerful symbol of hope and opportunity. Each duck in the fountain represents a child whose future can be transformed through access to education,”said Taj Sulaiman, Director of Communication and Private Sector Partnerships at EAA Foundation. “Through creative partnerships like this one with Place Vendôme Qatar, we’re engaging the public to take part in real, transformative change.”This unique event is part of a longstanding collaboration between EAA Foundation and Place Vendôme, under a broader corporate social responsibility agreement. Previous joint efforts include the “Eid Gift 2025” campaign, which collected over 74,000 new items for children in Gaza and Syria during Ramadan.Building on this success, EAA Foundation and Place Vendôme will sign a new agreement under which the Place Vendôme will continue to support EAA’s fundraising activities, including the annual “Back to School” campaign, Ramadan initiatives, and other EAA programmes. This expanded collaboration aims to generate both funds and public awareness for EAA’s local and international projects, reinforcing the shared commitment to ensuring that children out of school globally can access education and hope for a brighter future.“At Place Vendôme, our vision is to go beyond retail, to create experiences that connect and uplift communities,” said Mr Sanjay Mehta, Group Marketing Director at United Developers, owners of Place Vendôme. “The Duck Release activation is a beautiful examSanjay Mehta, Group Marketing Director at United Developers, owners of Place Vendômeple of that purpose in action. By transforming our public space into a platform for giving, we empower every visitor to make a tangible impact.”As part of the day's activities, school groups were given exclusive access to the fountain area, alongside engaging entertainment and educational components that promoted awareness around the right to education and the challenges many children face globally.**media[361143]**This activation is one of many under EAA’s 2025 “Back to School” campaign, which runs from 15 August to 31 December 2025. The campaign includes fundraising initiatives with EAA partners in Qatar, covering everything from digital donations and charity sports activities to school-led exhibitions and public festivalsThrough activations like the “Duck Release,” the campaign aims to send over 1,000 children back to school and reinforce the message that every child deserves a chance to learn, no matter their circumstances.To date, Education Above All Foundation has reached millions of beneficiaries across 75 countries, working tirelessly to protect and promote the right to education worldwide.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

Safeena Hussain
Community

Gulf Times Exclusives: From slammed doors to global recognition

When Educate Girls became the first Indian non-profit to win the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025, it wasn’t just an institutional milestone—it was a victory for millions of girls who had once been told that school was not for them. For founder Safeena Husain, the award represents the resilience of the girls who refused to give up on their dreams, the determination of communities who chose change, and the dedication of thousands of volunteers who have gone door to door convincing families to keep their daughters in school.“To be the first Indian non-profit ever to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award is historic. For me, this award belongs first and foremost to the thousands of girls who refused to give up on their dreams” In this exclusive interview, Safeena reflects on her two-decade journey of championing girls’ education—from the challenges of walking through deeply patriarchal villages facing slammed doors, to pioneering innovative models like the world’s first Development Impact Bond in education. She shares moving stories of transformation, strategies that have helped over two million girls return to school, and her ambitious vision for the next decade: reaching 10 million learners in 10 years.At its heart, her message is clear—girls’ education is not a local issue, but a global priority, and real change begins when communities themselves take ownership of that future.Q: Congratulations on winning the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 — the first for an Indian organization. How did you feel when you heard the news, and what does this recognition mean for you and your team?A: It was an incredibly emotional moment. To be the first Indian non-profit ever to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award is historic. For me, this award belongs first and foremost to the thousands of girls who refused to give up on their dreams.For our team, it is an encouragement to double down on what works and to share our learnings widely so that millions more girls benefit. But above all, it is a collective win for every family that chose to keep a daughter in school, every volunteer who knocked on a door, every government that partnered with us, every donor and partner who believed in us, and every girl who dared to dream bigger. This recognition tells the world that girls’ education is not a local issue; it is a global priority.Q: You have spent nearly two decades championing the cause of girls’ education. What inspired you to dedicate your life to this mission?A: My own journey is what led me to start Educate Girls. I had a very difficult childhood growing up in New Delhi, but thanks to the support of my family friend and aunt, I became the first in my family to go to university, studying at the London School of Economics. When I returned to India in 2005, I was confronted with the stark reality that millions of girls were still denied even basic education.I remember visiting a village in Rajasthan where a 10-year-old girl spent her days grazing goats because her family believed school was unnecessary. Sitting with families like hers, I saw both the barriers and the untapped potential of these girls. That conviction that education transforms not just a girl’s life but her entire family and community is what inspired me to dedicate myself to this mission.Q: Looking back to when you founded Educate Girls, what were the biggest challenges you faced in the early years?A: Convincing parents and communities proved to be the toughest. Walking door-to-door in deeply patriarchal communities, I often had doors slammed in my face and was told I was wasting my time. Poverty and social traditions made families hesitate about sending girls to school. Many would say, “Why educate her if she will get married?” But what kept me going was my faith in the girls and the power of communities. Slowly, we found and nurtured local leaders and volunteers who became change agents in their own villages. We also discovered that men could be powerful champions in the gender equity movement.**media[361126]**Q: How has your own upbringing and life experiences shaped your vision for Educate Girls?A: I remember the uncertainty and isolation that came with being out of school. It was only because of my aunt’s support that I got a second chance at education. That personal experience gave me a glimpse of what millions of girls feel when they are denied opportunities, and it has stayed with me ever since. Later, living abroad deepened my appreciation for what education makes possible, and when I returned to India, I felt a strong responsibility to ensure that girls were not left behind.Q: Educate Girls has impacted millions of children in rural India. Can you share one story of transformation that personally moved you?A: I recall meeting Dinesh in Rajasthan, the father of one of the first girls we helped return to school in 2008. At that time, he told us he believed in education, but only for his sons, while his daughter Shobha stayed at home. When I visited them again last year, Dinesh said something that has stayed with me ever since: “The world today is built for the educated. If you are not educated, you will be exploited like animals.”That shift—from excluding girls to recognizing their right to belong in that world—is perhaps the true work of changing mindsets. When communities change, culture changes, and norms begin to shift.Q: What strategies have been most effective in enrolling out-of-school girls and improving their learning outcomes?A: Our biggest strength has been the community itself. Through Team Balika (Team for the girl child), who are educated youth from the same villages, we go door to door, identify out-of-school girls, and build trust with families. Because they are from the community, they understand local dynamics and can change mindsets in ways outsiders cannot.Once the girls are back in school, we use Gyan ka Pitara, a remedial curriculum designed to build foundational literacy and numeracy. It helps children learn at their own pace through engaging, activity-based methods, enabling them to catch up, as they are often first-generation learners. That’s why it’s so important, because enrollment alone is not enough.Q: Collaboration with local communities is central to your model. How do you build trust and ensure long-term sustainability?A: Our most effective strategy has been to put the community at the centre. Today, we have over 23,000 Team Balika volunteers, from the same villages, who know every lane, every family. Their proximity builds trust, which is often the key to persuading parents to send their daughters to school.We also work hand-in-hand with governments so that enrollment drives, School Management Committees, and open schooling systems reach the very last girl. Once girls are enrolled, ensuring they stay and learn is critical. Over time, this has resulted in more than 2.4 million children improving their learning, alongside a 90% retention rate for the girls we enrol. It’s really a combination of community ownership, government partnership, and evidence-driven tools that has allowed us to bring more than 2 million girls into education and to ensure they don’t just sit in classrooms, but actually learn and thrive.Q: You pioneered the world’s first Development Impact Bond in education. How did that innovation change the way education programs are funded and delivered?A: The Development Impact Bond gave us a way to link funding to outcomes, not just activities, and we actually overachieved those targets. As validated by a rigorous gold-standard Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT), Educate Girls achieved 116% of its enrollment goals and 160% of its learning targets, equivalent to an additional year of learning gains.For us, the DIB was more than just innovative funding; it became a learning engine. It helped sharpen our model on two critical fronts: first, by developing a more targeted remedial learning curriculum focused on micro-competencies; and second, by revealing through the data that out-of-school girls were disproportionately concentrated in a smaller subset of villages, setting the stage for precision at scale. It also attracted partners who might never have invested in education otherwise, showing that social programs can be both accountable and ambitious.Q: Looking ahead, what are your top priorities for the next decade of Educate Girls?A: The bad news of winning an award like this is that we are getting more ambitious. In the last 18 years, we have brought over two million girls back into education by mobilising communities around them. But the next decade is about 10x10 - reaching 10 million learners in 10 years. That means going where exclusion is deepest, in the most marginalised and remote geographies.We want to crack open flexible pathways for adolescent girls and young women who have no structured way to return to education today. Technology and data will help us find out-of-school girls with precision, but the real engine will always be the community - the families, volunteers, and local leaders who change mindsets door by door. And just as important, once a girl is in education, we must ensure she learns well, develops skills, confidence, agency, and the power to shape her own life.“Over the past 18 years, we have brought more than two million girls back into education by mobilizing communities around them. The next decade, however, is about 10x10—reaching 10 million learners in 10 years”Q: With accolades such as the WISE Prize, the TED Audacious Project and now the Ramon Magsaysay Award, what drives you to remain deeply connected to the work on the ground and close to the communities you serve?A: The real reward comes from being in the villages, sitting with girls and hearing their dreams for the future. That’s where the energy comes from. Awards are encouraging, but they are not the reason we do this work. The reason will always be the girl who learns to write her own name for the first time, or the parent who proudly says, “My daughter is the first in our family to study.” At Educate Girls, we’ve always said that the community is the heart of change.Q: What advice would you give to young changemakers and social entrepreneurs who want to create large-scale impact?A: I suggest approaching problems with a long-term, problem-solving mindset rather than a project-oriented one. Start by understanding the realities on the ground and leverage what already exists, whether it is community programs, government schemes, or local resources. Build ownership within the community, because true leadership comes from within. Change does not come from the outside in; for it to be sustainable, it must be led by local voices with empathy and cultural insight. And above all, remember that change is rarely quick; it requires patience, persistence, and an unshakable belief that things can be different.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Snoonu and Education Above All join forces on “Give for Education” within EAA’s National Back to School 2025 campaign

Snoonu, Qatar’s fastest-growing homegrown super app, is proud to announce the launch of its flagship CSR initiative “Give For Education”, in partnership with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, as part of EAA’s nationwide Back to School 2025 campaign.The campaign, which runs from August 15 to December 15, 2025, aims to mobilise communities and provide vital support for out-of-school children, ensuring they have access to quality education and the tools they need to build a brighter future.Through this initiative, Snoonu users can make donations directly via the Education Above All section in Snoonu’s Charity Category, making it easier and faster for the community to contribute. The campaign will also feature school competitions, community events, and digital storytelling, all designed to raise awareness and encourage participation.Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu, said: “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and no child should be left behind. With Give For Education, we are not only supporting EAA’s Back to School campaign but also engaging our community in shaping a better future. As a Qatari company, we believe it is our responsibility to leverage technology for impact, ensuring every contribution helps empower the next generation.”Fatima Al-Nameh, from the Education Above All Foundation, said: “At Education Above All Foundation, we believe that every child has the right to education as a fundamental tool for human dignity and sustainable development. Our collaboration with Snoonu on the Give For Education initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering the most marginalised children with access to inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. Through this nationwide campaign, we hope to inspire the community across Qatar to contribute to building a brighter future for generations to come, where education serves as the cornerstone of justice, stability, and prosperity.”This initiative reflects Snoonu’s ongoing commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights Snoonu’s belief that national development and global sustainability go hand in hand, while further strengthening its long-standing collaboration with EAA.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Ministry of Education launches 1st edition of educational systems guide for private schools and kindergartens

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced the launch of the first edition of a guide for educational systems in private schools and kindergartens for 2025 during a press conference held today. The guide aims to standardize administrative and educational procedures in private schools, ensure compliance with national standards, enhance transparency in accreditation and evaluation processes, and support educational diversity by offering multiple systems, such as the British and American curricula, the International Baccalaureate, and others, to meet the needs of the local and international community. Director of the Ministry's Private Schools and Kindergartens Department Dr. Rania Mohamed said that the launch of this guide reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to developing an integrated educational environment in private schools, based on quality, transparency, and excellence. She emphasized that it represents a regulatory and procedural reference that helps schools, parents, and students make informed educational decisions. Dr. Mohamed added that the guide reflects the ministry's strategic direction in supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 by building an educated generation capable of creativity, innovation, and global competitiveness. She noted that the philosophy of education in Qatar is based on providing equal opportunities for all students, developing critical thinking and analytical skills, and promoting the values ​​of responsibility and openness to other cultures. She explained that the preparation of the guide went through a meticulous process that extended from December 2023 to June 2025. The review included a review of national policies and relevant legislation, a study of the various educational systems applied in private schools, and an examination of international best practices. Education experts, educational supervisors, and private schools, were also involved before being subjected to final review and approval by the ministry's specialized committees. Dr. Mohamed explained that the guide includes a comprehensive definition of the approved educational systems, their accreditation requirements, and their assessment mechanisms. It also includes a chapter on the BTEC curriculum, which covers specialized professional tracks such as business and engineering, and an appendix detailing the names of the schools that implement each system. This will help parents choose the appropriate system for their children based on clear and transparent criteria. Dr. Rania Mohamed also expressed her appreciation for the private schools that participated in preparing this guide, stressing that the cooperation of these institutions reflects the spirit of partnership with the ministry in serving the educational process, contributes to the development of private education to keep pace with the best international experiences, and enhances Qatar's position as a leading educational destination regionally and internationally.

Gulf Times
Region

On International Day to protect education, Palestine warns of systematic targeting of Gaza education system

The Palestinian Ministry of Education confirmed that the education system is being subjected to an ongoing, unprecedented, and systematic annihilation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, by the Israeli occupation. Thousands of school and university students were martyred, and hundreds of educational facilities were destroyed, representing a major crime against humanity and a clear violation of the right to education. In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the ministry explained that the West Bank, including Jerusalem, is witnessing a comprehensive targeting of the education system amid an escalation in violations against staff, students, and educational and academic institutions. This is particularly true in Jerusalem, the northern West Bank districts, the Jordan Valley, Yatta, and the Old City of Hebron, through acts of destruction, raids, and harassment of schools, students, and staff. The ministry called on the international community, UN institutions, human rights organizations, and education advocates to assume their responsibilities and take urgent action to stop this genocide against Palestinian education. It also called for the protection of schools, students, teachers, and educational and academic personnel in accordance with international laws and conventions. Education is a right, and targeting it is a crime. The ministry also stressed that this day is an opportunity to shed light on the violations that have affected education in the Gaza Strip, to the point that they amount to educational genocide.

Gulf Times
Community

RPS hosts Metanoia educational conference

Rajagiri Public School (RPS), Doha, hosted the 5th edition of its annual educational conference, Metanoia 2025 – Learning Beyond the Horizon. The two-day event saw educators and thought leaders engage in an exchange of ideas rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the emerging demands of 21st-century education.RPS director and noted consultant psychiatrist Dr Aju Abraham inaugurated the event and stressed on fostering psychological well-being in both children and adults within the educational ecosystem. Ten presentations by RPS faculty showcased innovative teaching strategies and progressive educational paradigms.Gayathri Palla, Microsoft Cloud Architect, Qatar, spoke on Cyber Safety and Security in Educational Spaces. The chief guest at the valedictory function was Bimalendu B Nath, director of MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Qatar Campus. RPS administrative director Jinsu Aju felicitated him.Principal Joshy Abraham congratulated the presenters and thanked the organising team which had vice principal Radhakrishnan as chief co-ordinator.

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoEHE holds orientation meeting for scholarship students enrolled in national universities

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) on Wednesday organised the third orientation meeting for scholarship students enrolled in national universities for the 2025-2026 academic year.The meeting was attended by a wide range of officials from MoEHE and national universities, alongside prominent academic figures from Qatar University, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Community College of Qatar, Lusail University, Al Rayyan International University College, and Qatar Aeronautical Academy, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, and parents.The event aimed to forge close relationships between students and the higher education sector according to well-established principles, provide broader familiarisation with scholarship rights and duties, clarify contracting procedures, and ensure scholarship students' follow-up with the higher education sector, in addition to offering an overview of the team overseeing them in local universities.Director of the Scholarships Department at MoEHE, Noora Mohammed Al Ansari, stressed that students are required to review the scholarship contract prior to signing it, as it constitutes their formal agreement. She highlighted the importance of familiarising themselves with the mechanism for placing students in job vacancies in accordance with the scholarship plan for the 2025-2026 academic year.Al Ansari further reviewed the procedures related to the scholarship program from enrollment through graduation, emphasising the essential need to maintain thorough documentation of the relationship between scholarship students and responsible officials, while proactively addressing any challenges they may encounter to ensure a smooth academic journey.Head of the Admission and Registration Department at MoEHE, Saleh Al Muftah, stressed that it is highly important for scholarship students and their parents to review the contract attentively, as students are the ones who determine their two preferences, which must be approved based on the consent of future employers.Participants in the Tomouh Program for Qatari teachers enjoy exceptional procedures, as they are proactively contacted by the ministry's Human Resources Department to establish a special employment contract, Al Muftah highlighted.The meeting concluded with an open discussion, during which students and their parents were given the opportunity to ask questions about the scholarship, which were answered promptly by the participants.