Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) recently announced the Gold Classification of 47 private schools in Qatar, recognizing their exceptional commitment to strengthening national identity among students. This acknowledgement stems from the “My Values Draw My Identity” initiative, a nationwide program focused on embedding core values and a sense of belonging within the private school system. The classifications were announced by Hussain Al-Yafie, Guidance Consultant at the Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens at the Ministry.
The recognized schools are located throughout Qatar and represent diverse curricula and student populations. According to the Ministry, the Gold Classification wasn’t a one-time assessment but the result of sustained effort and demonstrable outcomes over a period of time. This highlights a shift towards evaluating schools not just on academic performance, but also on their contribution to the social and cultural development of their students.
Strengthening National Identity Through Education
The “My Values Draw My Identity” initiative, running from 2024 to 2027, builds on prior work initiated in 2021. The program seeks to cultivate well-rounded individuals who demonstrate strong moral principles and a deep connection to their homeland. This emphasis on values-based education reflects Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes human capital development alongside economic diversification.
Program Components and School Efforts
Schools receiving the Gold Classification implemented a variety of programs and activities, including dedicated educational modules, awareness campaigns, and lectures designed to promote core values. The Ministry specifically noted the inclusion of value-driven educational outputs as a key criterion for assessment. These efforts were undertaken under the supervision of the Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens in collaboration with the Tarbiyah Center.
Al-Yafie emphasized that the assessment goes beyond simple curriculum adjustments. He stated the goal is to equip students with practical tools to navigate everyday challenges while reinforcing the importance of discipline, belonging, and national loyalty. This focus on practical application is a novel approach compared to previous initiatives which may have relied more heavily on theoretical instruction.
Additionally, the initiative aimed to normalize a broader understanding of the role of schools within the community. The Ministry hopes to foster recognition that schools are not solely academic institutions but comprehensive educational environments dedicated to character building. This shift in perception is seen as crucial in aligning educational goals with national aspirations.
The program’s success relies on the availability of specialized educational resources. These tools support educators in integrating values into their lessons and help students internalize those values for real-world application, promoting a more holistic learning experience. A secondary keyword related to this initiative is Qatar’s education system, which is constantly evolving.
While the initial focus is on private schools and kindergartens, the MoEHE has indicated a desire to potentially expand the “My Values Draw My Identity” program to include public schools in the future. This expansion could significantly broaden the reach of the initiative and solidify its impact on the nation’s youth. The Ministry also considers higher education in it’s long-term planning for national identity development.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to continue monitoring the participating schools throughout the remaining duration of the project (until 2027). Further classifications, potentially including Silver and Bronze levels, are anticipated as the initiative progresses. The long-term effectiveness of the program in genuinely fostering national identity and embedding core values remains to be seen, and will likely be assessed through ongoing student surveys and performance indicators. The careful tracking of these results will allow adjustments and improvements to ensure continued success in promoting a strong sense of national identity in Qatar’s future generations.
It remains to be seen whether the Ministry of Education will formally publish a comprehensive report detailing the assessment criteria and specific achievements of the Gold-classified schools; this is something stakeholders will be watching for.
The ongoing evaluation of the initiative will provide valuable insights into best practices for values education and the fostering of national identity, contributing to a stronger and more cohesive society in Qatar. The continuation of the “My Values Draw My Identity” initiative is a key marker in Qatar’s broader commitment to cultural preservation and responsible citizenship.
