After the summer vacation, students in Qatar re-joined schools on the 21st of August, 2022. Over 350,000 students returned, amid COVID-19 preventive measures, to more than 500 public and private schools in the country today.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has ensured readiness of schools to welcome back students safely. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, in a video message shared by the Ministry, briefed about the plan of the Ministry for the new academic year. “We at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education are working, following the directive of the wise leadership that made quality education top priority of the nation,” said Al Nuaimi.
“This year will be special in a way that Qatar is going to host the mega sporting event, FIFA World Cup 2022, in which a group of employees, teachers and students will be participating as volunteers.
“The academic year 2022-23 is also very important in a way that we will celebrate this year 70th anniversary of our education system which began in 1952, demonstrating the success of schools and universities in providing workforce to serve the job market.”
For this year, he said the Ministry has set goals focusing on certain areas including students, teachers, schools, and the Ministry. “Under the plan, there will be enhanced focus on students’ learning, instilling values among them and care for their health. Students will also get better educational guidance. The special focus will also be on science and technology streams to meet the needs of the job market,” said Al Nuaimi.
He said that the Ministry will hire qualified teachers from among Qatari citizens and nationals of other countries. “They will be provided different options for professional development. The work environment at schools will be improved for their better performance.” As per the plan, he said schools will be provided support as per their needs and requirements.
It is mandatory for all staff and students at all government and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools to take a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 within 48 hours before they return to school for the new academic year. Wearing masks at schools during first two weeks is also mandatory.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has opened five new preparatory and secondary schools for boys and girls in different parts of the country, to accommodate the growing number of students during the new academic year,
The new schools have started receiving students for the new academic year. Each school has the capacity to accommodate 786 students in 36 classrooms, including 36 students with special needs distributed in 6 classes.
The new schools have modern buildings that will facilitate the work of the administration and teachers, thus enriching the educational process for students.
