The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Doha, Qatar, has implemented various initiatives during the 2023-24 academic year to enhance the skills of students. Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Maha Al Ruwaili, stated that these programs have greatly contributed to building students’ personalities, increasing their capabilities, and boosting their self-confidence. The goal is to create responsible citizens who are capable of making decisions.
One of the initiatives introduced is a financial awareness program called Al Wai Al Mali, which aims to help students make sound financial decisions. Additionally, a training program in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank called ‘I am a Pioneer’ (Ana Raid) has been implemented to educate students about financial concepts. This program aims to empower and develop innovative entrepreneurs among government school students by providing training and supervision in supporting entrepreneurial ideas and spreading the culture of entrepreneurship.
The Ministry has also partnered with Injaz Qatar, a non-profit organization, to hold the “Mubadara” competition. This competition encourages students to establish investment projects with a specific financial plan. The six-month-long program allows student teams to conceptualize, establish, and run a real business with the guidance of professionals from leading businesses across Qatar. Additionally, the Ministry is collaborating with the National Cyber Security Agency to raise students’ awareness of cybersecurity concepts.
In terms of curriculum development, the Ministry is expanding the teaching of foreign languages in schools. English is being taught from kindergarten to grade 12, with French as an optional language. There is also a focus on teaching German and Japanese languages, and Chinese has been added to the curriculum as well. The aim is to find a balance between knowledge, academics, and skills so that students are not solely reliant on textbooks for their education.
The Ministry is actively updating study plans and curricula to ensure a better balance between knowledge and skills, and to build students’ personalities and prepare them for the future. These changes are in alignment with Qatar’s third National Development Strategy. In addition, adjustments have been made to working hours in government schools to reweight the English language subject. An English language class, a physical education class, and a life skills class have been added to the curriculum.
Al Ruwaili emphasized that the graduation project for secondary school students will be an enjoyable experience where students can apply their skills and experiences. This project will culminate in allowing students to showcase everything they have learned in the early stages of their education. Overall, the Ministry’s initiatives are focused on equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in both their academic and personal lives.
