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Doha, January 22 (QNA) – 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).
The State of Qatar has been celebrating many international occasions concerned with education, its importance, and investment in it; for example, 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 stipulates the adoption of Sept. 9 every year as a day to urge the international community to alleviate the plight faced by students, institutions and educational centers affected by armed conflicts.
In a related context, Qatar also celebrates World Teachers Day on Oct. 5 every year and honors veteran teachers out of its belief in the importance of the teaching profession and teachers and appreciation and loyalty to their role, based on the joint recommendation between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), regarding the conditions of teachers, which is considered a frame of reference at the international level about the responsibilities, rights and duties of teachers, and standards for their preparation.
Under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the State of 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, especially the fourth goal and its objectives, which are concerned with the quality of education, while re-imagining the future of education, and ensuring the right to education as a public good for all, in a way that meets all needs, abilities and potentials.
At the international level, the country 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 HH the Amir, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and HH Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation (EAA) 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 that armed conflicts have deprived them of, which in turn contributes to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN.
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, celebrating with the countries of the world the 2024 International Day of Education, which falls on Jan. 24 of each year, affirms the State’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, pointing out that community participation in the educational process has proven its contribution to putting students on the right path to becoming a productive force in their homeland.
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.
Al Ruwaili added that achieving our ambitions still requires a lot of effort and cooperation with State institutions to push the educational system in the State of Qatar to compete and excel at the global level and for education to become a long-term investment with increasing returns for the children and the society.
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.
In the context of developing the educational system to align with modern changes and with the goal of instilling a spirit of innovation, initiative, and effective participation in society from an early age, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has dedicated a comprehensive foundational curriculum for early education, which includes kindergarten, as well as the first and second grades of primary school. The Ministry also places significant emphasis on specialized education schools and seeks to expand them. Notable examples include the Qatar Technical Secondary School for Boys, Qatar Banking Studies And Business Administration Secondary School, Religious Institute Preparatory Secondary School, Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration Secondary School for Girls, and Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys. These schools prepare students to transition to various options in higher education and the workforce.
Qatar and the wise leadership’s interest in education extends beyond national borders to the international arena, proving its commitment to the right to quality education for all, ensuring the well-being of millions of children, prioritizing education for the safety and protection of educational institutions, and guaranteeing access to education in conflict zones.
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.
In a related context, many state institutions celebrate the International Day of Education, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 and is observed on January 24 each year. These entities organize various interactive events and activities to promote concepts of social responsibility and to emphasize the role of education in improving individuals’ lives and advancing society.
On this occasion, the Civil Services and Government Development Bureau outlined a set of facilitations and guidelines for parents to attend various celebrations and activities in schools.
Undoubtedly, all these Qatari educational efforts and initiatives across various levels have solidified Qatar’s position in the field of education, strengthened its distinguished educational partnerships and underscored the state’s and its wise leadership’s commitment to developing the educational system using the latest educational, technological, and innovative methods that align with the spirit of the times. This is of great importance to Qatar, as it has consistently made investing in quality education one of its top priorities, both at the national and international levels. (QNA)
