"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” the global peace icon Nelson Mandela once said. There can be no better explanation about the importance of education.
Qatar has been shrewd in investing its money and resources and that is why the state gives greater importance to investing in education of its people knowing well that it is a sure-fire investment which will definitely be paid off for a better and more prosperous future. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday honoured 83 outstanding winners in the education sector recognising their perseverance and efforts to reach the pinnacle of their chosen branch of learning and teaching.
When we look at it in a global perspective, it is not so common that the top most leader of a country finds time to honour students, but Qatar thinks differently and education is of paramount interest to the country. As the students said during the ceremony, this gesture has not only left an indelible mark in their life, but it will act as a catalyst for the young generation who are following them. The presence of H H the Amir and H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, a number of Their Excellencies Ministers and other dignitaries at the 13th Education Excellence Awards ceremony shows the value Qatar places on education.
The winners of the award represented master and doctorate degree holders, university and high school graduates, primary and preparatory students, outstanding teacher, school and scientific research.
Addressing the award ceremony Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, said that Qatar has spared no effort in providing all means of care and privileges at home and abroad, noting that as an encouragement for the outstanding persons in the educational field, they will be provided the opportunity to be ambassadors of the Qatar at relevant regional and international conferences and forums.
The 13th edition of the awards was the biggest with the participation of more entities including Military and Police institutions, foreign universities and other private education institutions. This is a proof of Qatar’s holistic view of education encompassing its citizens and residents by giving equal opportunities to everyone irrespective of gender or nationality. When it comes to education, for Qatar it is not just spending some money, but the country makes sure that the sector is managed by able governance, sufficient consultation with stakeholders in the decisionmaking process, qualified teachers, adequate physical facilities and enough financing for teaching and learning material.
