Children to be taught Qatari culture, values

Private schools and kindergartens to carry out various activities in implementation of education ministry’s ‘My Values Draw My Identity’ project

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, through the Private Education Affairs Sector, has launched a project to enhance the national identity and Qatari culture in private schools and kindergartens under the slogan “My Values Draw My Identity” in academic 20212022.

Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama said that the implementation of the project comes within the ministry’s strategic plan for 2018-2022 in the axis of citizenship and values, noting that the strategic objectives of this axis are to increase the programmes and activities that enhance Qatari values, heritage and identity, and the respect for other peoples and cultures in all stages of private education, as well as to raise the level of awareness and interest among students’ parents about the values and heritage of Qatari society.

Al-Naama indicated that private schools and kindergartens implement various activities and programmes in this aspect, stressing that the project places the activities within an integrated educational framework.

He pointed out that the last academic year the general guidelines for school activities and trips in private schools and kindergartens were issued, explaining that these activities (mandatory and optional) achieve the objectives of the ministry’s strategy, especially those related to promoting the values of citizenship and pride in local culture, as well as the respect of other peoples and cultures.

Director of the Private Schools Affairs Department Rashid Ahmed alAmeri said in a circular sent to all private schools and kindergartens that the programme comes in light of the ministry’s keenness on developing patriotism among students, focusing on the Arabic language and the adherence to Islamic values, and preserving cultural and national heritage.

He also underlined that the project aims to enhance the national identity through educational integration among members of the educational community, and instil it by serious means to build role models who are proud of their identity, values and culture.

“My Values Draw My Identity” project targets students, teachers, school leadership, supervisors and parents, and is based on strengthening the spirit of belonging and loyalty to preserve the principles and authentic values of Qatar, and enlightening the school community groups about the importance of the Arabic language as an identity for individuals of the Qatari society.