Doha: Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) concluded the fifth edition of its pioneering career development and educational event, "Career Village." Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and KidZania Doha, the event aimed to instill a strong career culture among high school students in Qatar. Over 1600 high school students from 91 public and private schools across Qatar participated in the "Career Village," held from 29 April to 1 May 2024, at KidZania Doha in Aspire Park. The event transcended traditional career exploration methods, offering students a hands-on dive into diverse career paths within Qatar's evolving labor market. Engaging booths, experiential learning zones, and interactive workshops, equipped students with practical skills and knowledge essential for their future success. KidZania Doha's unique interactive edutainment concept allowed students to engage in simulated real-world work environments and interact directly with professionals to e xperience different career paths firsthand. This holistic approach provided them with a more practical understanding of the world of work, bridging the gap between educational outcomes and the dynamic labor market demands in Qatar. The event ultimately promotes a future-ready and skilled workforce aligned with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. Abdulla A. Al Mansoori, Director of QCDC, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in empowering students to make informed academic and career decisions, stating: "Career Village embodies our commitment to providing Qatar's youth with the best and most comprehensive career development services through hands-on learning and practical experience. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and KidZania Doha, and all other partners who made it possible to prepare our students for a successful transition into the workforce." On her part, Acting Director of the Department of Educational Guidance at the MOEHE Fawzia A l Malki said: "We extend our sincere thanks to our partners for this success: QCDC, who collaborate with us in complete harmony to prepare our students for university admission, to gain clearer insights into the professions required in the Qatari job market, and to explore work networks that match students' interests and the nature of the suitable roles for them, refining their relevant skills such as time management, effective communication, problem-solving, and organization." She continued: "In conclusion, we aspire for this event - the Career Village - to be a source of inspiration and a catalyst for creativity, enhancing the unleashing of our students' capabilities, contributing to the preparation of the national human capital, and achieving Qatar's National Vision 2030." "We are thrilled to host the 5th edition of Career Village at KidZania Doha and honored to partner with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and QCDC for this event," said Victor Jabbour, General Manager at KidZania Doha. "At K idZania, we believe in the power of experiential learning to prepare today's youth for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide teenagers with valuable insights, hands-on experiences, and guidance essential for their transition into the workforce. By fostering a culture of exploration and empowerment, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world." On its final day, the "Career Village" featured a panel discussion titled: "Engaging High School Students With the Labor Market: A Pathway to Success." Attended by 100 guests including 53 school and career counselors, the session hosted renowned experts in education and lifelong learning. The panel aimed to illuminate the connections between education and career development, providing insights into how career development complements education to prepare students for their future careers. QCDC's "Career Village" continues to be a flagship event i n Qatar's educational landscape, showcasing the center's commitment to building on strategic and longstanding partnerships with key stakeholders to create a skilled and future-ready workforce, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. Source: Qatar News Agency