Tribune News Network
Doha
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), participated in a discussion hosted by QF as it marked the International Day of Education.
HH Sheikha Moza spoke at the opening panel session of a series of activities and events at Education City, held through a collaboration between QF and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, under the theme ‘Education is everyone’s responsibility’. Also attending the events at Education City was HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF.
During the session, HH Sheikha Moza commended the decision by Qatar to allocate three hours for parents and guardians to experience their children’s learning environment, welcoming this move as it reflects the State’s interest in education and its belief in the role of the family in the development of children.
HH Sheikha Moza spoke about the identity challenges faced by students, stating that the root cause of this problem stems from students’ own command of the Arabic language, and saying that while there is no weakness in Arabic itself, students are not practicing it as their daily language: ‘Arabic language is the incubator of thought, cultural understanding and heritage, and thus identity’.
In addressing these challenges, HH Sheikha Moza emphasized that education is the responsibility of everyone involved in a child’s upbringing, including families, schools, and media institutes.
Addressing the students in the audience, HH Sheikha Moza asked them 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.”
The session discussed the collective responsibility that society holds towards language and identity, due to language being a critical component in shaping and strengthening people’s identity. It also explored the role of the curricula in developing awareness of local heritage; focused on the necessity of localizing education, especially in international schools, because of its impact on identity; and highlighted the role of schools, family, and media in promoting language and identity.
Also participating in the discussion were Abeer Al-Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education, Qatar Foundation; Sheikha Nouf Al Thani, Executive Director of Projects and Strategic Partnerships in QF’s Pre-University Education; Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khulaifi, a Kuwaiti educational expert, 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.
The International Day of Education activities at QF, held in the Arabic language, also showcased educational programmes in an interactive exhibition and visits by secondary school students to QF’s partner universities, together with a series of panel discussions and the opportunity for parents to visit their children’s schools at QF and participate in workshops and community activities. The celebration of education saw 11 of QF’s schools participate, with a further 22 entities hosting activities.
It will continue to be held annually on January 24, with the aim of inspiring public and private entities, as well as people across society, to actively champion and elevate the standard of education throughout Qatar.
