Hanane Djoua
Doha
In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, Qatar Foundation (QF) highlighted the significant role of teachers in nurturing the next generation and showcased the power of music education in strengthening cultural identity.
During the annual Pre-University Education (PUE) Forum, QF unveiled its future educational vision extending to 2040, emphasising inclusiveness, innovation, and the importance of connecting education with Qatar’s cultural heritage.
Professor Yassine Ayari, a distinguished music educator at Qatar Academy Al Wakra (QAW), one of QF’s PUE schools and a recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award at the 2024 PUE Forum, expressed his belief that music is not only a form of entertainment but also a vital academic and cultural tool.“Music is rooted in the collective consciousness of a society and serves as a crucial element in strengthening the cultural identity and social connections of children and young people,” he stated.
Professor Ayari’s educational philosophy revolves around viewing music as both an art and a science.He explained that while music involves creative expression, it also comprises elements such as theory, history, acoustics and composition that can be scientifically analysed.
“I do not teach music just to encourage young people to sing. I aim to help them understand music’s scientific dimensions by studying sounds, frequencies and vibrations, which provide a basis for experimentation and research,” he said.
With over a decade of experience teaching at various QF schools, Professor Ayari has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting Qatari cultural heritage through music.
One of his most notable projects, the ‘Songs’ initiative, began at Tariq Bin Ziad School and involved the professional recording of traditional Qatari songs with the participation of students.
This initiative was later adopted by other PUE schools such as Academyati and QAW, before becoming an integral part of QF’s Rasekh platform. Rasekh supports students in bridging knowledge of local and global issues while valuing cultural identity, heritage and the Arabic language.
Professor Ayari emphasised that music education not only enriches students’ cultural roots but also helps them engage with their heritage, even in the face of modern challenges.
He believes that teaching methods need to be revised to better connect with today’s learners, incorporating a mix of entertainment and educational techniques that ignite curiosity.
He said, “Children and young people are still connected to their past and ready to absorb music rooted in their cultural heritage, even amidst the dynamics of modernity.”
Qatar Foundation’s Vision for Educational Inclusivity and Innovation
At the same forum, Abeer Al Khalifa, president of PUE at QF, unveiled the strategic vision for the future of education at Qatar Foundation schools, setting out goals that will shape the learning environment up to 2040.She announced that QF’s strategy focuses on inclusivity and innovation, aiming to provide a diverse range of cognitive and skill-based programmes that cater to the evolving needs of students.
“We are particularly focused on life and social skills, ensuring that new opportunities are created for students with special educational needs while also empowering gifted individuals,” Khalifa said.
As demand for these educational programmes grows, QF is committed to expanding its reach across more regions of Qatar to benefit a broader audience. Khalifa also praised the efforts of teachers and volunteers who provided support to the Palestinian community evacuated to Qatar, saying: “Your contributions have alleviated their hardships and brought light to their lives. You embody the spirit of social responsibility and demonstrate the importance of standing with the Palestinian cause.”
Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Educators
The forum celebrated the accomplishments of QF’s PUE staff over the past year, presenting awards in various categories such as the Outstanding Teacher Award, Outstanding Practitioner Award, Outstanding Team Award and Outstanding Student Award. Individuals with the longest years of service at QF schools were also honoured for their dedication and perseverance. Khalifa acknowledged the pivotal role teachers and educators play in the success of PUE, noting that their dedication is foundational to the educational journey at QF.
“Your commitment has transformed education into more than just an academic pursuit. It has become a gateway to creativity, innovation and discovery, enriching the educational experience for all our students,” she said.
She urged teachers to continue inspiring their students to embrace global citizenship and sustainable education, encouraging them to be agents of positive change within their communities and beyond.
“Together, let’s ensure that education reaches underserved communities worldwide and transforms lives. With your dedication, we will continue to build on our achievements and strive for even greater successes that will shape the future of our generations and our nation,” Khalifa added.
Connecting Education with Cultural Heritage
Qatar Foundation’s emphasis on incorporating cultural heritage into its curriculum, as demonstrated by Professor Ayari’s work, aligns with its broader mission to create an inclusive and innovative educational ecosystem.
Professor Ayari’s experience highlights how QF schools provide opportunities for students to explore their cultural roots while integrating modern educational practices.
Through initiatives such as the ‘Songs’ project and the Rasekh platform, QF is ensuring that students remain connected to their cultural heritage while being equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Professor Ayari’s efforts to preserve and promote Qatari traditional music serve as a testament to QF’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of cultural identity among students.
A Shared Responsibility for Educational Transformation
As QF looks ahead to the next decade, the organisation’s focus on inclusivity and innovation will continue to be at the core of its educational strategy. By supporting teachers and encouraging them to inspire their students, QF aims to transform lives and create a legacy of educational excellence that will benefit the community for generations to come. With music and culture playing a central role, and a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Qatar Foundation’s educational framework is set to nurture future generations who are proud of their heritage, equipped with modern skills and ready to contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities and nation.
