HH the Heir Apparent honors high achieving students, teachers and schools

Qatar continued its longstanding tradition of celebrating high-achievement in education by honoring approximately 140 students at the annual Education Excellence Day (EED). Also honored at the event were two teachers, two schools and a student research project. Held under the patronage of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, EED is an illustration of Qatar’s leadership’s commitment to developing the minds of its youth and celebrating their impressive accomplishments.

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“We take great pride in honoring these young men and women, who through their commitment to excellence, are helping ensure a bright and prosperous future for Qatar. The accomplishments of these individuals should serve as an inspiration to all citizens for what can be achieved through hard work and dedication,” remarked HE Sheikha Ahmed Al Mahmoud, the Minister for Education and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council, who also served as the president of the Board of Trustees for EED.

Students honored included high school graduates, university graduates and new Ph.D. holders. The high school and university graduates received either platinum or gold awards, while the Ph.D. holders all received platinum awards. High school students were all enrolled in either the independent, international or Ministry of Education schools, and university graduates attended schools both in Qatar and abroad, including many from Education City. [A list of all the honorees is attached.] The EED Board of trustees set standards for the EED awards.

“The EED is clear evidence of the importance our leaders place on encouraging and awarding excellence,” remarked Dana Al Malki, one of the Ph.D. awardees in her speech during the event.

Additionally, schools, teachers and a student research project were recognized. Omar bin Al Khatab Secondary School for Boys was honored as the most outstanding school, while Al Wajba Independent Preparatory School for Girls was honored as the most improved school. Nouf Hamed Al Thani from Al Khansaa Primary School for Girls and Aysha Saif Al Muqbali from Shayma Secondary School for Girls were the teachers honored on the occasion.

“It is a great honor to win one of excellence awards, which are considered the most prestigious education awards in Qatar,” said Nouf Hamed Al Thani, one of the teachers. “This award is a motivation for us to exert more effort and do our best to serve our country. The Education Excellence Day is evidence of Qatar’s commitment to learning and education under the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Heir Apparent. I would also like to thank HH Sheikha Moza Bin Nasser Al Missned, who has paved the way for Qatari women to succeed and excel.”

New this year was the award for excellent educational research project. The award recognizes the importance of using scientific research to uncover new ideas and find solutions to real problems. Jumana Ahmed Abu Khadija, a student at Al Bayan Educational Complex for Girls, received the award for her research project title “Are children in Qatar suffering from poor nutrition?”

Education Excellence was first formally celebrated in 2006. This year’s award ceremony took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha. For more information about the awards, including selection criteria, visit http://www.english.education.gov.qa/EED/.