Doha: Tariq Bin Ziad School, with strong legacy of excellence dating back several decades, officially re-opened under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation (QF) in the presence of Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF, yesterday.
H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani; H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF; H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, several dignitaries, senior officials at the QF, alumni of Tariq Bin Ziad School and others were present at the ceremony.
The school with a history of almost six decades was previously run by the Amiri Diwan, and brought under the QF’s umbrella of Pre-PUE at the start of the present academic year. At present it offers a bilingual co-educational Primary Years Programme that follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum, with additional aspects that reflect the importance and the enduring relevance of Qatari heritage.
“I am honoured to be one of the alumni of Tariq Bin Ziad School. We are here today to proudly relaunch this school as it continues its journey of nurturing a new generation,” said H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani speaking at the opening ceremony held at the school located in Al Saad area in Doha.
“Through their constant support for the human development of the children of this country, the leadership of Qatar is demonstrating its recognition that education is the path to preparing and empowering our young people, in terms of their perspectives, their minds, their souls, their behaviours, and their sense of national identity; and that knowledge and faith remain the best way of advancing and sustaining our community. This community is built on cooperation, solidarity, and a commitment to serving the needs of Qatar.”
“I would like to take this opportunity, while speaking about this historic school, to emphasise that it has been renewed under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation, while retaining its original spirit and identity,” he said.
H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF, attending the official opening ceremony of Tariq Bin Ziad School, yesterday.
Eissa Bin Hazza, former director of the school, addressing the ceremony said, “The value of Tariq Bin Ziad School is a reality that everyone can see, and it carries hope for future generations. Young people are the foundation of Qatar and represent the future of our nation. As educators, we are responsible for creating this foundation, because the better we are as educators, the better our future generations will be.”
Tariq Bin Ziad School reflects QF’s commitment to equipping a new generation of leaders who are capable of balancing knowledge, appreciation of their cultural heritage, and answering the challenges of globalization, according to Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, President of QF’s PUE.
“Tariq Bin Ziad School is seen as being one of the educational edifices of Qatar, embraced by generations of young people who have gone on to become leaders and impact-makers in many different sectors across the country,” she said.
The opening ceremony featured a performance by students depicting the environment of the school in the 1970s and present day. An exhibition retelling Tariq Bin Ziad School’s history through photographs, videos, artefacts, school magazines, and furniture which was once part of its learning environment, and a gallery of photographs of its current students and faculty was on display. The dignitaries toured the exhibition and school facilities following the opening ceremony.
Tariq Bin Ziad has become the 12 school under QF’s PUE. At present Tariq Bin Ziad School caters from students from PS3 to Grade 1, with one grade level being added each year until Grade 5.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been part of this school’s journey in the past, both those who have worked and studied here, because they have contributed to maintaining the proud name of Tariq Bin Ziad School, created its legacy, and left an imprint for the future generations who will work and study here,” said Maha Al Romaihi, Director of Tariq Bin Ziad School.
“We will continue to carry forward the message of why quality education is so important, and nurture a new generation of Tariq Bin Ziad School students,” she added.
The opening ceremony was followed by the fifth edition of the Education Forum on Heritage and Identity, organized by PUE’s Education Development Institute, which celebrates learning initiatives focused on Qatari cultural heritage and national identity.
