Doha: HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser visited Warif Academy on Thursday. The academy stands as Qatar’s pioneering government school that offers inclusive educational opportunities and rehabilitation services in Arabic for students with severe and multiple disabilities who previously lacked access to education.
According to Qatar News Agency, Her Highness was accompanied by HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, along with a group of experts and specialists in special education. During the visit, Her Highness toured the academy’s facilities. These facilities were established through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Qatar Foundation to support students with severe and multiple disabilities. Her Highness engaged with students and observed the teaching and rehabilitation methods designed to address their diverse needs.
Her Highness was also informed about the collaborative efforts between Qatar Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Public Health in the development of the academy. These efforts focus on providing specialized academic programs and a comprehensive approach to therapeutic interventions, thereby creating an educational environment that empowers students to achieve their potential and supports their overall growth.
On this occasion, Her Highness stated the ethical and social responsibility to care for children with severe and multiple disabilities, emphasizing the need for innovation and development of tools to address their needs. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Public Health for their contributions in establishing a specialized educational entity for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities accompanied by physical and health impairments. She noted that Warif Academy would complement and enhance Qatar’s efforts in this sector.
Nael Mohammad, Director of Warif Academy, stated that the academy aims to provide equal educational opportunities for students who were previously unable to access education. He highlighted the academy’s comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs, which are designed to equip students with the skills needed for social integration and to help them achieve their aspirations. Mohammad emphasized that the academy offers not only educational services like traditional schools but also specialized therapeutic programs in areas such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology.
He underlined the transformative role of assistive technology in enhancing communication abilities and overall quality of life for students. For instance, one student who previously required constant assistance for mobility is now able to move independently after just a few weeks at the academy. This demonstrates the academy’s crucial role in fostering independence as a key life skill for these students.
Mohammad added that preparations for the admission process for the upcoming academic year have already begun. As the academy continues to expand, it plans to enroll 30 new students annually, aiming to reach a total of 150 students within the first five years. He noted that student admissions are based on a rigorous, multidisciplinary assessment to ensure their individual needs are met according to the highest standards.
Warif Academy provides a comprehensive educational environment for students with multiple disabilities, including developmental and cognitive impairments accompanied by physical and health challenges. This necessitates specialized care and advanced therapeutic and educational programs to support their unique needs. The academy’s development is structured in five gradual phases, with the first phase, which began last January, including five classrooms for students aged 3-14 years. Its capacity will expand annually to accommodate students up to the age of 21, ultimately reaching a total of 25 classrooms with a capacity of 150 students by the 2028-2029 academic year.