Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar celebrates International Day of Education, which falls on Jan. 24, out of its belief that education is considered a major goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN. Additionally, Qatar has shown a commitment to making education keep pace with the requirements of the current era, in order to become one of the leading countries in the process of digital transformation in education and its advancement, after the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) launched the e-learning strategy, to prepare Qatari students with a high level of digital skills for a future that relies heavily on these skills.
To celebrate this global educational event, the MOEHE allocated, for the first time, a week to celebrate International Day of Education at the local level under the theme “Education is Everyone’s Responsibility.” During this week, the Ministry will hold in partnership with the Civil Services and Government Development Bureau from Jan. 21 to 25, a series of activities and events that include an educational dialogue session, with the participation of students, teachers, their parents, their families, and all schools in the country to reinforce the concepts of social responsibility and highlight the role of education in improving the lives of individuals and the advancement of society, based on the fact that investing in the human element represents the most prominent pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).
Qatar has been celebrating many international occasions concerned with education, including the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which is a Qatari proposal that was unanimously adopted and approved by the UN in 2019 and marked on Sept. 9 every year, in addition to the World Teachers Day on Oct. 5 every year. Under the wise leadership of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Qatar is keen to achieve the highest quality assurance indicators in all inputs and outputs of the educational process in a way that meets the needs of society by making fruitful efforts towards achieving the international Sustainable Development Goals and agenda.
At the international level, Qatar has established broad international educational and development partnerships and initiatives, from which hundreds of millions of the worlds population in various continents have benefited. The efforts and initiatives of the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation (EAA) H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser were appreciated in the field of education and protecting it from attacks worldwide, especially in conflict areas, as they respond to the educational needs and aspirations of millions of children and youth around the world. MOEHE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Maha Zayed Al Ruwaili affirmed in a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry, celebrates the International Day of Education, which falls on Jan. 24 of each year, affirming Qatrar’s belief that education is an effective force for achieving Qatar’s vision and a basis for building knowledge societies and achieving sustainable development. She said that this celebration consists of organizing purposeful activities and various events that emphasize strengthening the partnership between parents and schools, which carries educational and pedagogical dimensions and contributes to enriching the educational process and developing the outcomes of the educational system. Al Ruwaili stressed that the participation of families, schools, and public and private universities in the activities celebrating International Day of Education sent a clear message that education in the country is everyones responsibility.
She explained that the State’s keenness to give priority to quality, equitable education for all has led to growing successes and achievements in global indicators that have consolidated the position of the State of Qatar at the global level in the field of education. QNV aims to transform the country by 2030 into an advanced state capable of achieving sustainable development. This can only be accomplished through the establishment of an advanced educational system that aligns with contemporary global standards. Through this system, Qatar aims to direct its human and intellectual capital along the right paths and invest in them to achieve the state’s national and developmental goals.
There is no Qatari child of school age outside the school premises, as education is mandatory, free, and its system is modern and constantly evolving. It provides a range of scientific programs and advanced, modern specialized curricula with high quality and a comprehensive and diverse educational approach. Besides its academic aspect, the education system also focuses on ethics, Islamic values, and social principles.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, as part of these modern educational plans and programs that align with the spirit of the times, provides a variety of special education services through inclusive schools and specialized schools for individuals with special needs, as students with special needs are enrolled in general education schools based on the type of services provided and according to the severity and level of their condition. At the same time, the Ministry works to nurture and support talented students, establishing a framework for identifying, supporting, and caring for talent at various stages of education. Additionally, the Ministry offers programs and curricula for adult education to encourage them to continue their education. It also provides parallel education paths to assist students unable to complete their studies in the secondary stage with the same curriculum included in the general education, through special study programs designed for them.
CEO of Education Above All Foundation Fahad Al Sulaiti emphasized, in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Foundation’s role in promoting and protecting quality education and meeting the needs of vulnerable and targeted groups outside Qatar through effective and successful international partnerships.
He noted that the Foundation’s efforts in this regard cover 60 countries around the world, noting that the Foundation has decided to focus its celebration of the International Day of Education this year on Palestine and Sudan.
