Doha College Principal Dr. Steffen Sommer with Madame Mechmech in January 2020
Doha: Doha College, one of the oldest international schools in Qatar, is celebrating its longest-serving member of staff, and one of the most-loved teachers to have taught – and still teach there – Madamme Mechmech, as she is known by many generations of students.
Having reached the 30-year service milestone with the school, Mechmech teaches French and is currently a form tutor to one of the Year 10 classes.
She has imprinted her warm voice and image in the hearts of thousands of students who have passed through the halls of Doha College through the three decades.
Mechmech had the immense honour of teaching the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, when he was a student of Doha College. She remembers that time with a great sense of pride. She has lived through the school’s transformation and that of the country.
Mechmech has taught the French language and many aspects of the French culture and has been a nurturing presence that has become synonymous with the Doha College ethos.
On the sports field, she introduced students to the secrets of pétanque, a French ‘boules’ game. Her cooking course has been a go-to for hundreds working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and the enticing flavours drifting from her room – particularly that of ‘crêpes françaises’ – made everyone wish they were in her class.
“I have stayed all this time because of the lovely people at Doha College. It’s my home,” Mechmech said on the occasion.
Dr. Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College, thanked her for her devotion to the college, adding: “In all my years working in schools, and there have been many, I never had a member of staff with this length of service. Mme Mechmech has been with Doha College for 30 out of its 41 years. She is an invaluable part of Doha College history, and she has our everlasting gratitude.”
