Latest news with #MinistryofEducationandHigherEducation
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar students win bronze at 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai
A team of Qatari students won the bronze medal at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2025), held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the participation of 90 countries from around the world. In a statement, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education said that four high school students represented Qatar in the competition: Youssef Mohamed Elshahat and Benjamin Allen Conde Danky from Qatar International School, Salem Faisal Al Marri from Doha Secondary School, and Moaz Sharif from Ahmed Bin Hanbal Secondary School. The Qatari delegation's efforts resulted in Youssef Mohamed Elshahat winning the bronze medal, while Benjamin Allen Conde Danky was awarded an honorary certificate in recognition of his outstanding performance - an achievement that reflects the growing strength of Qatari students in specialized sciences and their ability to excel on the global stage. The Olympiad featured several hours of rigorous scientific exams, covering advanced theoretical and practical topics in chemistry. Each country was represented by a four-student team. The Qatari team underwent an intensive training program led by chemistry supervisors from the Science Department at the Ministry's Educational Guidance Directorate. The program included both in-person and remote lectures and training sessions, conducted by highly qualified local and international trainers. The preparation also involved collaboration with academic institutions in Qatar, including Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (member of Qatar Foundation), particularly for the practical components of the training. Qatar's participation in the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad aligns with the Ministry's commitment to encouraging student involvement in international competitions and fostering an educational environment that supports academic excellence - advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based society and empower national talent for global leadership.
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar students win bronze at Int'l Chemistry Olympiad
A team of Qatari students won the bronze medal at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2025), held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the participation of 90 countries from around the world. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education said that four high school students represented Qatar in the competition: Youssef Mohamed Elshahat and Benjamin Allen Conde Danky from Qatar International School, Salem Faisal Al Marri from Doha Secondary School, and Moaz Sharif from Ahmed Bin Hanbal Secondary School. The Qatari delegation's efforts resulted in Youssef Mohamed Elshahat winning the bronze medal, while Benjamin Allen Conde Danky was awarded an honorary certificate in recognition of his outstanding performance - an achievement that reflects the growing strength of Qatari students in specialized sciences and their ability to excel on the global stage. (QNA) page 3
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar students win bronze at 2025 Int'l Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai
QNA Dubai A team of Qatari students won the bronze medal at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2025), held in Dubai, the UAE, in which 90 countries from around the world a statement, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education said that four high school students represented Qatar in the competition: Youssef Mohamed Elshahat and Benjamin Allen Conde Danky from Qatar International School, Salem Faisal Al Marri from Doha Secondary School, and Moaz Sharif from Ahmed Bin Hanbal Secondary School. The Qatari delegation's efforts resulted in Youssef Mohamed Elshahat winning the bronze medal, while Benjamin Allen Conde Danky was awarded an honourary certificate in recognition of his outstanding performance - an achievement that reflects the growing strength of Qatari students in specialised sciences and their ability to excel on the global stage. The Olympiad featured several hours of rigorous scientific exams, covering advanced theoretical and practical topics in chemistry. Each country was represented by a four-student team. The Qatari team underwent an intensive training programme led by chemistry supervisors from the Science Department at the Ministry's Educational Guidance Directorate. The programme included both in-person and remote lectures and training sessions, conducted by highly qualified local and international trainers. The preparation also involved collaboration with academic institutions in Qatar, including Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (member of Qatar Foundation), particularly for the practical components of the training. Qatar's participation in the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad aligns with the Ministry's commitment to encouraging student involvement in international competitions and fostering an educational environment that supports academic excellence - advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based society and empower national talent for global leadership.
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar deploys culture as a force to manage diversity
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha When walking through the streets of Doha or other cities across Qatar, one is immediately struck by the prevailing sense of social security and mutual respect between citizens and residents. This shared public space, teeming with people from diverse national, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, forms a vibrant mosaic of peaceful coexistence and human understanding. Behind this harmony lies an often understated but powerful force: culture. A culture of everyday respect Culture in Qatar is not merely expressed in formal celebrations or institutional settings, it breathes in the rhythms of daily life. From courteous exchanges in public parks to the welcoming smiles that greet visitors in malls, hospitals, and workplaces, culture manifests as a code of conduct that fosters inclusion. There is an unspoken etiquette that governs interaction, a kind of 'cultural DNA' that seems embedded in the social fabric. One can recall the international acclaim Qatar received during the FIFA World Cup 2022, not only for its exceptional organisation but for the moral, cultural, and social values it projected to the world. The event served as a cultural milestone, communicating the essence of coexistence, hospitality, and diversity through a truly global lens. Institutionalising coexistence Qatar's strategic investment in cultural programming has not gone unnoticed. The country's institutions—museums, cultural centres, and public art platforms, have consciously leveraged the power of culture to foster social cohesion. 'Culture in Qatar is not a luxury—it's a strategic necessity,' said Dr Abdulaziz Al Marri, a Qatari sociologist and expert on community dynamics. 'When you bring people from more than 100 nationalities to live in a single society, you either build bridges through culture, or you risk division. Qatar chose the path of harmony, and that was a visionary move.' Dr Al Marri added that the cultural calendar in Qatar, ranging from art exhibitions to theater festivals, poetry readings, and community workshops, offers both citizens and residents a chance to participate, interact, and feel seen. 'It's not just about entertainment,' he emphasised. 'It's about representation. When people see their traditions respected and showcased, they feel a sense of belonging.' Culture as a social tool For Dr Ubaida Shityat, a Jordanian expert in human sciences, who works for the Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education, culture functions as more than just a means of expression, it's a practical tool for managing societal complexity. 'Qatar represents one of the most complex demographic structures in the world,' Dr Shityat explained in an interview with Qatar Tribune. 'You have people from East Asia, Africa, Europe, the Arab world, and the Americas, all living in close proximity. Such diversity can only be sustainable through a framework of shared understanding, and that framework is built culturally.' He added, 'What makes Qatar's model unique is the balance between preserving national identity and embracing global influences. This balance allows residents to integrate without feeling alienated, and citizens to remain open without feeling their traditions are under threat.' Dr Shityat also stressed the importance of informal cultural mechanisms, gestures of politeness, dress codes, public behavior, and mutual courtesy, which operate alongside laws to maintain societal order. 'This is the unwritten constitution of coexistence,' he said. Empowering through development and awareness According to Sabiha Abdelhafidh Sharafeddine, a Tunisian human development coach with long experience in intercultural training, Qatar's cultural environment actively empowers individuals to become agents of cohesion. 'I've seen firsthand how cultural events in Qatar are not just showcases, they are platforms for education and dialogue,' she said. 'Workshops for youth, intercultural panels, and creative writing competitions give people from all walks of life the chance to learn about each other.' Sharafeddine praised Qatar's emphasis on intercultural empathy. 'It's not enough to tolerate others,' she noted. 'What Qatar is doing, especially through its educational and cultural institutions, is teaching people to understand others. That's a much deeper, more sustainable approach.' She highlighted how many residents come from societies with historical grievances or cultural divisions. 'When they come to Qatar, they find a neutral space where mutual respect is not only expected, it's practised. That can be transformative,' she said. Sharafeddine also pointed to the positive psychological impact of such a model. 'When people feel welcomed, respected, and engaged, they contribute more. Productivity goes up. Mental health improves. Social trust is strengthened. It's all interconnected,' she added. A pedagogical and ethical model Dr Alaa Neama, a prominent Egyptian educator and senior consultant in pedagogy, believes Qatar's cultural model offers a replicable framework for other societies. 'What is happening in Qatar today is not spontaneous, it is the result of structured cultural pedagogy,' Dr Neama told Qatar Tribune. 'From school curricula to museum exhibitions to public service campaigns, there is a clear ethical message: diversity is an asset, not a threat.' Dr Neama highlighted the role of educators in transmitting cultural values that emphasise mutual respect, dignity, and open-mindedness. 'Our role as educators is not only to teach knowledge, but to shape worldviews. In Qatar, schools are encouraged to celebrate international days, invite speakers from different backgrounds, and teach values-based curricula. This is how children grow up appreciating diversity as normal,' she said. She also emphasised the need to document and export this success. 'Qatar should invest more in producing documentary films and publishing cultural case studies that tell the world about this unique social experiment. Many countries, especially in the Global South, can benefit from this model.' Art as a universal language Qatar's cultural richness is also evident in its growing art scene. Museums like the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf, and Katara Cultural Village host exhibitions that highlight not only local heritage but global creativity. Public art installations across Doha often feature artists from different continents, sending a visual message of inclusivity. These spaces do more than display artwork, they become sites of conversation, learning, and connection. In many cases, art events serve as the first point of contact between different communities, where shared aesthetic appreciation helps bridge linguistic or social gaps. From diversity to resilience It is no coincidence that Doha was ranked third safest city in the world in Numbeo's 2024 Global Crime Index, among 329 cities. Experts attribute this not only to effective policing but to the deeper societal cohesion shaped by Qatar's cultural policies. 'Safety is not just the absence of crime,' said Dr Al Marri. 'It's the presence of trust. And trust is cultivated through shared norms, mutual respect, and inclusive culture.' Dr Shityat echoed this sentiment, adding, 'Qatar's strength lies in its ability to turn diversity into resilience. In times of crisis, communities that are culturally connected stand stronger.' Towards a Shared Future While much has been achieved, the experts agreed that more can be done. Suggestions included increasing multicultural storytelling in local media, producing films that highlight real-life examples of integration, and creating digital platforms where communities can share their cultural experiences. In the words of Dr Neama, 'The ultimate goal is not just to manage diversity, but to celebrate it. Qatar is showing us that this is not only possible—it is essential.' Indeed, as the world grapples with rising polarization and identity conflicts, Qatar's experience offers a blueprint for coexistence rooted in culture. Whether through a shared laugh at a play, a respectful nod at a museum, or a collaborative art project between children of different origins, the threads of culture continue to weave a fabric of unity.
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoEHE launches student activity centers for summer 2025
Doha The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) on Sunday launched the Student Activity Centers for Summer 2025. The activities, which will continue until August 7, target Qatari and resident public schools students, as well as Qatari students in private schools, aged 6 to 18. The centers will be located in eight summer centers across the country, four for boys and four for girls. The ministry said that the launch of these centers comes within the framework of its commitment to investing students' free time during the summer vacation in quality and integrated activities that contribute to developing their personalities, honing their skills, and promoting the values of citizenship and responsibility within a safe and attractive educational environment that meets their psychological, social, and educational needs. MoEHE noted that the summer programme will run from Sunday to Thursday, with daily sessions held from 9 am to 1 pm. The programme features a diverse array of educational, cultural, artistic, sports, and technical activities, all designed within a comprehensive framework that fosters creativity, encourages innovation, and enhances leadership and life skills. It also aims to strengthen national identity, support mental and physical well-being, and cultivate a culture of sustainable learning and continuous self-development. The ministry has designed the programme's themes to cover modern and diverse fields, including: value education, cultural activities, digital solutions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, arts and design, as well as themes of public health, sustainability, and the environment, to meet the aspirations of generations and enrich their summer experience. The programme's activities are organised in cooperation with several supporting entities, including ministries, national institutions, and educational and cultural centers. These include the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Qatar National Library, Qatar Museums, Aspire Academy, Qatar Scientific Club, Dar Katateeb, and the Qatar Red Crescent. The summer centers were carefully selected to ensure comprehensive geographic coverage. The boys' centers include: Omar bin Al Khattab Secondary School, Khalifa Secondary School, Al Wakra Secondary School, and Abdullah bin Ali Al Misnad Preparatory School. The girls' centers include: Umm Salama Primary School, Amna bint Wahab Secondary School, Sawda bint Zamaa Preparatory School, and Al Khor Preparatory School. This year's programme features specialised activities and initiatives, including cybersecurity and facility security awareness, religious lectures to promote Islamic values, public speaking, leadership, and volunteering programs, and workshops in the arts, science, and technology. The programme also includes the launch of the "School Innovation Incubators" initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Scientific Club. This initiative provides an interactive learning environment equipped with advanced technologies, enabling students to transform their ideas into real-life projects, while offering specialized training in robotics, 3D printing, and entrepreneurship. The programme includes field visits to several national institutions and cultural landmarks, including the Qatar National Museum, the Qatar Media Corporation, the Equestrian Club, and the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security, with the aim of enhancing practical and applied learning and connecting learning to reality. The programme concludes with a celebratory day at Lusail Hall, featuring an exhibition of student activities, the final matches of the football league, and a ceremony honoring the participants in the presence of senior officials and representatives of supporting entities. A visual presentation documenting the educational impact of the program is also featured. In a statement on this occasion, Aisha Al Kaabi, Head of Programmes and Activities at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, emphasised that the summer programme aims to provide quality activities that meet students' aspirations and contribute to developing their skills and discovering their talents within an integrated educational and recreational environment. She stated that the centers offer programmes that focus on creativity and innovation, personal and social development, leadership and volunteer skills, along with training workshops in literature, arts, technology, sports, and health. They also include religious activities that promote positive values and behaviors, as well as weekly educational and recreational trips. She added that through these centers, the Ministry seeks to provide an integrated educational experience that contributes to building students' personalities, developing their capabilities in various aspects, and instilling the values of citizenship and excellence in serving the nation. The ministry called on parents to register their children through the "Maaref" portal for public services to take advantage of this unique opportunity, affirming its commitment to providing a safe and inspiring environment that enables students to discover their potential and direct them toward excellence and creativity. These efforts are part of the Ministry's strategy to build an integrated educational system that supports the comprehensive development of students and contributes to achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by strengthening human capital and empowering generations to face future challenges with confidence and competence.
