Doha: HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi announced the launch of the Ministry's new 2024-2030 strategy titled "Igniting the Spark of Learning." She affirmed that this strategy aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy (NDS) and the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Her Excellency emphasized that the strategy aims to identify opportunities and overcome challenges in the coming years by fostering innovation and excellence in education. It focuses on enhancing and professionally developing teachers' skills while preparing a resilient generation capable of confronting future challenges. She highlighted the comprehensive nature of the new strategy, which encompasses all stages of learning from early childhood to post-secondary and vocational education. To elucidate its scope, she presented a detailed overview outlining the strategy's phases, core pillars, and the goals intende d to be achieved through various associated programs and projects. Her Excellency underscored that investing in human education has always been a paramount priority for Qatar's wise leadership, which has consistently dedicated substantial human and material resources to this sector. She noted that the launch of the Third National Development Strategy earlier this year reaffirms education's role not only as a fundamental pillar of human development but also as a crucial driver for achieving comprehensive and sustainable progress across diverse fields. Describing the strategy as a guiding compass for Qatar's educational journey toward realizing national aspirations, Her Excellency affirmed that to successfully 'Ignite the spark of Learning' that illuminates path to the future, it is a must to adhere to scientific methodologies, demonstrate unwavering determination, and consistently keep motivations and objectives at the forefront. Further detailing the strategic roadmap for the education sector, Her Excellen cy outlined its goal to establish an inclusive and innovative educational environment that reinforces values, ethics, and skills. This environment is designed to nurture a conscientious generation capable of contributing to a progressive society and a thriving economy. Addressing early childhood education, she noted that the ministry aims to increase pre-primary enrollment rates, which currently stand at 44 percent, voicing resolve to double this percentage by 2030 through expanding public and private nurseries and kindergartens, enhancing their quality, and boosting family awareness about the importance of early education. In support of this objective, HE the Minister announced amendments to public school regulations to commence education at the age of three, alongside the opening of eight new classrooms dedicated to this age group. She affirmed the ministry's commitment to further expansion, aiming to incorporate all public kindergartens within the next five years. Discussing primary and secondary educat ion, she stressed that the Ministry strives to cultivate positive learning attitudes among students, instill commendable values, and build strong character by providing a stimulating and secure educational environment that supports holistic growth socially, psychologically, health-wise, and academically. She also mentioned the launch of the "My School, My Community" program, designed to enhance students' quality of life through policies promoting positive behavior, an ethical charter, and a broadened range of student activities at both local and international levels. Her Excellency expressed immense pride in the exceptional accomplishments of Qatari students in international competitions across various domains, including scientific research and information technology, underscoring the nation's commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation. In her speech, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education outlined the Ministry's ambitious educational strategy aimed at elevating learning outcomes through curriculum development, the integration of digital learning tools, and the adoption of modern teaching methods. She highlighted the initiation of the first phase of this revamped strategy, launched this year, which focuses on strengthening essential life skills such as family education, financial literacy, self-development, entrepreneurship, and community service. Her Excellency also emphasized the Ministry's commitment to increasing student enrollment in scientific disciplines, redesigning educational pathways, and enhancing academic guidance. As part of this initiative, the Ministry has launched a Science Camp program in collaboration with the Scientific Club, and by 2026, plans to open four specialized STEM schools with a combined capacity exceeding 2,000 students. To further improve educational quality, she announced the enhancement of governance in school supervision, which aims to empower schools with the tools needed for transformation, ensure the execution of action plans, and provide essentia l support through the Permanent Committee for School Development. Moreover, the national school accreditation program will be expanded to include public schools starting this year. Addressing the needs of children with disabilities, Her Excellency revealed the launch of a Student Support Services Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Family. This center will offer comprehensive services, ranging from diagnosis to the creation of individualized educational plans for both inclusive and specialized schools, alongside providing educational, medical, and social support. Additionally, the value of educational vouchers has been adjusted to better cater to the needs of children with disabilities, expanding their educational options. Reaffirming the pivotal role of educators, Her Excellency said that teachers remain the cornerstone of our educational advancement. Thus, the Ministry has invested in top-tier local and international training programs and div ersified the pathways into the teaching profession, while also refining the tracks for professional licensing. In discussing post-secondary education, Her Excellency outlined the Ministry's aspirations to broaden vocational, technical, and higher education options, aligning programs with the evolving demands of the labor market. The Ministry is also focused on bolstering the research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem by nurturing talent, attracting the best minds, enhancing research funding programs, and increasing private sector involvement. Her Excellency further noted that, in strengthening Qatar's quality assurance framework, the National Qualifications and Academic Accreditation Committee has commenced its work within the Ministry, developing innovative institutional accreditation standards to be applied this year to several higher education institutions. The revision of the national qualifications framework is set to be completed in the coming months, aligning with the Third Human Development Strategy and incorporating the latest global trends. HE the Minister proudly stated that Qatar has emerged as a leading regional hub for higher education, a testament to the nation's visionary leadership over recent decades. This strategic positioning contributes to sustainable economic growth, bolstered by the launch of the "Study in Qatar" initiative, designed to attract international students who, alongside national talent, will enrich the labor market and drive comprehensive national development. In the realm of continuous learning, Her Excellency emphasized the Ministry's goal to empower individuals to continuously refine their skills and adapt to the ever-changing global landscape. This will be achieved by encouraging educational institutions to offer training programs in partnership with employers and supporting the development of open learning platforms for training and skill development. Beginning her address, Her Excellency remarked on the significance of launching this strategy at the start of a ne w academic year, renewing commitment to advancing the goals and aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 in education. The two-day strategy launch event will feature a series of discussion sessions involving key partners and stakeholders. These sessions will spotlight the main elements of the new strategy, detail the projects and programs planned under the Ministry's operational plan, and clarify the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in supporting and achieving the strategy's objectives. Source: Qatar News Agency