Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar recently launched the second iteration of the “Hand in Hand” student guidance forum, signaling a continued commitment to bolstering the mental and social well-being of students within the nation’s private schools and kindergartens. The forum, themed “Towards a Safe and Cohesive Educational Community,” convened leaders from education, law enforcement, and social services to collaborate on strategies for a more supportive learning environment. This initiative builds upon the successes of the first forum and aims to further integrate preventative and therapeutic measures for students.
Held in Doha, the opening ceremony saw participation from senior ministry officials, representatives from national institutions, community leaders, school principals, and specialists in psychology and sports. The event underscores Qatar’s proactive approach to addressing the holistic needs of its student population, recognizing that academic success is intrinsically linked to emotional and social health.
Strengthening Student Guidance Networks in Qatar
The Ministry announced a significant expansion of the National Advisory Team for student guidance, adding key entities like the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Office of the Custodian Affairs at the Supreme Judiciary Council, and various departments within the Ministry of Interior. This broadened collaboration aims to create a more comprehensive and coordinated response to challenges facing students, according to Dr. Rania Mohammed, Director of the Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens.
The inclusion of law enforcement and judicial bodies highlights a growing emphasis on student safety and protection, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and addressing juvenile delinquency. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs’ involvement reflects the importance of incorporating ethical and moral frameworks into student development.
New Initiatives Launched at the Forum
Alongside the expansion of the advisory team, the forum served as the launchpad for two new initiatives: the “Baadi” campaign and the “Sanad” professional platform. The “Baadi” campaign, inspired by Qatari heritage, is designed to promote positive behavior among students and their families, both inside and outside of school. The campaign aims to reinforce societal values and national identity through consistent behavioral practices.
The Ministry is also finalizing a “Code of Conduct” document to provide clear behavioral standards for private schools and kindergartens. This document will serve as a crucial reference point for educators and administrators in maintaining a disciplined and respectful learning environment.
Meanwhile, “Sanad,” a professional platform, will connect social and psychological specialists, fostering a community for sharing expertise and addressing challenges in the field of child psychology. This platform is intended to elevate the quality of guidance practices across Qatar’s educational landscape.
The first “Hand in Hand” forum resulted in the creation of a Student Guidance Handbook, which provided a foundational framework for supporting students. The ongoing development of these resources demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving needs.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized that the forum reflects the Ministry’s vision for integrated collaboration and its dedication to developing a robust student support system. She noted that this system is vital for improving the overall quality of education in Qatar.
The forum concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared national responsibility for student welfare. Participants agreed that a safe, supportive, and motivating educational environment is essential for cultivating informed generations capable of contributing to Qatar’s sustainable development goals and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is expected to oversee the implementation of the “Baadi” campaign and the “Code of Conduct” in private schools and kindergartens throughout the coming academic year. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration between schools, families, and the expanded National Advisory Team. Monitoring the impact of these programs on student behavior and well-being will be a key area of focus for future evaluation.
