DOHA: Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has attended an event organised by Qatar Foundation on the occasion of the International Day of Education under the theme 'Education is Everyone's Responsibility' at the Qatar National Convention Center.
Sheikha Moza attended the opening session of the Foundation’s activities entitled 'Protecting the Arabic Language is a Community Responsibility', with the participation of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan bin Talal, President of the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, HE Bahia Hariri, President of the Hariri Organization, in addition to a number of Their Excellencies the Sheikhs and Ministers.
The discussion was attended by a group of experts, most notably Hadeel Al-Abbasi, a lecturer in leadership, education and the Arabic language; Dr Laila Femmeler, a lecturer in Arabic for non-native speakers; Amal Farah, a children’s writer and educational expert; and Sheikha Nouf Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives in Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation.
Al-Abbasi stressed the need to use innovative methods to enhance the use of the Arabic language and confront the challenges associated with its influence on Arab society, while Dr Femmeler discussed the role of advanced educational tools in improving methods of teaching the Arabic language, and pointed out the importance of the spoken language in enhancing children’s connection to the classical language, which contributes to deepening their understanding of it.
In turn, Amal Farah presented insights into the role of children’s literature in building the cultural identity of emerging generations, stressing the importance of the cultural values reflected by this literature in enhancing the status of the Arabic language.
Sheikha Nouf Al Thani pointed out the importance of promoting the Arabic language in international educational curricula, stressing its fundamental role in consolidating cultural and linguistic identity.
During the event, she announced the launch of a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Qatar Foundation within the framework of the 'Rasikh' initiative, which aims to support education in the Arabic language within international curricula.
Sheikha Nouf explained that the partnership aims to design innovative educational tools and programmes that will be a primary reference for local and international teachers, contributing to achieving a balance between international curricula and the requirements of the local environment.
She said: “This initiative is a response to the global challenges facing the Arabic language, as we aspire to enhance it as a means of communication, science and knowledge, which reflects its civilizational and humanitarian role.”
She added that the initiative is a strategic step to localize education in Qatar by integrating international curricula with the local environment, with a focus on their connection to the students’ reality and enhancing their national culture, noting that the goal is to achieve the ideal balance between globality and locality in a way that enriches the students’ experience.
The event also witnessed Sheikha Nouf Al Thani honouring 10 influential educational innovations in the 'Spotlight on Qatar' competition, a joint initiative between Qatar Foundation and the global educational organization 'HundrED'.
The competition aims to support innovative and effective practices that contribute to the development of pre-university education worldwide.
As part of the event, Qatar Foundation launched the 'Let’s Speak Arabic' campaign, which aims to encourage students, families and the school community to integrate the Arabic language into their daily lives, enhancing its position in society.
Maryam Al Hajri, General Manager of Partnerships at Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, explained that the campaign emphasizes the pivotal role of school administrations and teachers in promoting the use of the Arabic language inside and outside the classroom, noting the need to encourage students to express themselves with confidence and pride in their mother tongue.
Al-Hajri added: “The campaign highlights the role of parents in strengthening children’s connection to the classical Arabic language and spoken dialects, which supports cultural identity.”
It also called on schools and educational institutions to organize innovative activities and events that enrich students’ skills in using the Arabic language in interactive and enjoyable ways.
Al-Hajri stressed that the campaign represents a comprehensive vision that aims to celebrate the Arabic language and deepen awareness of its importance to ensure its continued positive impact in shaping the identity of future generations.
The event, which was held on the occasion of the International Day of Education, witnessed a series of discussion sessions, workshops and interactive activities, in addition to an educational exhibition displaying innovative projects.
The Education Development Institute, part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, also organised a comprehensive programme, discussing issues such as bilingual education, the importance of balancing the mother tongue with other languages, and bridging the gap between local and global aspects of education.
It is noteworthy that the International Day of Education, which is celebrated annually on January 24, highlights education as a basic human right and a collective responsibility, and encourages effective contribution to improving its quality and enhancing its role in achieving sustainable development.
