Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education yesterday marked World Teacher’s Day by honouring over 100 long-serving teachers virtually.
A total of 110 teachers of various nationalities who have taught at various government schools for nearly 30 years were honoured during a virtual ceremony organised by the Ministry under the theme ‘Thank You, Messenger of Science’.
Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed Abdulwahed Al Hammadi, praised the teachers saying that their role was, is and will remain essential and decisive in providing education to students. This came in a speech delivered by the Minister virtually on the occasion of World Teacher’s Day, which is celebrated on October 5 every year.
He said that due to the COVID-19 situation and in compliance with the precautionary measures, the ministry decided to celebrate this year’s occasion virtually. We are hopeful that this gloom will fade away from the entire world and that life will soon return back to normal, he said.
“I am delighted to pay special tribute to the new Qatari and expatriate teachers who have joined, as well as the teachers we will honour today — who spent many years serving knowledge and education in Qatar. We are grateful to them for all that they offered to this country in the previous years, and last year in particular.”
He said this year the world celebrates the Teacher’s Day under the theme of “Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future” as education is facing a tough challenge across the globe.
The impact of coronavirus pandemic is not only limited to health, but has had negative effects on all aspects of life, including the educational system around the world.
“But you set a role model of effective leadership amidst the crisis. You came out to fulfil your mission of spreading knowledge, indifferent to the risks posed by the pandemic, and carried upon your shoulders a noble and supreme responsibility faithfully,” he said. “The past academic year witnessed a swift response as you shifted from the traditional classroom-based learning environment to distance learning under completely different scales and standards. This made us very proud and confident in our educational system,” he added.
He said that the ministry managed to conclude the previous academic year on time, and administered the exams physically under strict precautionary measures in which the teachers played a great role.
Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Fawzia Abdulaziz Al Khater, while praising the teachers, said, “We appreciate all the efforts that you have made during this exceptional situation because of COVID-19.”
She stressed that the ministry’s celebration of Teacher’s Day comes in recognition of the great role of teachers in the educational system of the country. Al Khater emphasised that the continuation of these exceptional conditions today requires more efforts and qualitative excellence in performance and upgrading education, through innovative methods from teachers.
