H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, speaking at the opening ceremony
Doha, Qatar: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, emphasised the collective responsibility towards preserving the Arabic language as the essence of local identity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of International Day of Education activities organised yesterday by Qatar Foundation (QF), H H Sheikha Moza discussed how to address the identity challenges faced by young people.
The event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education under the theme ‘Education is everyone’s responsibility at the Ceremonial Court in Education City, in the attendance of H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation and several other officials.
H H Sheikha Moza in a conversation with Sheikha Nouf Al Thani, Executive Director of Projects and Strategic Partnerships in QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE) – spoke about the identity challenges faced by students and said that the root cause of the problem starts from students’ command of the Arabic language.
“The Arabic language is the incubator of thought, cultural understanding and heritage, and thus identity,” said Sheikha Moza.
Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser participated in a discussion hosted by Qatar Foundation as it marked the International Day of Education.
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She said that addressing the problem is the responsibility of everyone involved in a child’s upbringing, including families, schools, and media institutes.
H H Sheikha Moza asked students in the audience to be proud of their identity saying, “Have confidence in yourself and always bear in mind the unique and wonderful qualities of the Arabic language and culture. Be open to others and celebrate their characteristics, but I ask you to reject the aspects of global citizenry that require you to erase or weaken our local and national identity.”
H H Sheikha Moza and H E Sheikha Hind also toured the exhibition by QF entities and interacted with students.
H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser interacting with a student during a tour of the exhibition by QF entities during the International Day of Education activities.
At a panel discussion on how Language and Identity are everyone’s responsibility by QF’s PUE, experts and officials highlighted the need to increase teaching and learning in the Arabic language. It also highlighted society’s collective responsibility for language and identity, emphasising language’s pivotal role in shaping and fortifying one’s identity.
Abeer Al Khalifa, President of PUE at QF; Dr. Ibrahim Al Khulaifi, a Kuwaiti educational expert in educational psychology, and developmental psychology; Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi, Executive Director of QF’s Doha International Family Institute; and Maryam Al Muhannadi, Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education also shared their views during the session.
“Today’s celebration highlights the significance of education in fostering social growth and building sustainable and resilient societies. And by commemorating this day, Qatar Foundation showcases its commitment and keen belief in the importance of investing in human development,” said Abeer Al Khalifa.
Sheikha Nouf Al Thani addressing the session indicated that Arabic has been included as a teaching and learning language at schools as part of QF’s commitment to promote the Arabic language and national identity.
“At Qatar Foundation, we have aimed since the beginning of our journey to provide high-quality education linked to our language, values and national identity,” she said. International Day of Education activities at QF aimed to inspire public and private entities and individuals across society, to actively champion and elevate the standard of education throughout Qatar.
H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, touring the exhibition by QF entities.
“We focus on this day to showcase how important is education, and how Qatar has established a strong stand, and has specific elements to serve all aspects of education,” Khaled Kassab, Public Relations Officer, Pre-University Education at QF, told The Peninsula.
He said that the activities have a special focus on the importance of offering inclusive education to children of all abilities.. “We have different workshops and will show how important is the collaboration between QF and other entities within the public and private sector. Also, we showcase how strong the private sector has become a big part of the educational journey of Qatar,” said Kassab.
The International Day of Education activities saw the participation of 11 of QF schools and 22 entities hosting activities. Several thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and activities open for public throughout the day. Also parents had the opportunity to visit their children’s schools at QF and participate in workshops and community activities.
