Excellence awards nominations to begin in July

The Education Excellence Day Committee will begin receiving nominations for excellence awards in July. The eligible categories include the outstanding high school graduates, scientific research by a high school student, university graduates, PhD holders, teachers and outstanding school. The deadline for submitting the nominations is September 17, 2009. Qatar will hold its annual Education Excellence Day to honor high achievement in education on November 11, 2009, under the auspices of HH the Heir apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamda Al Thani.

Education Excellence Day illustrates the commitment of Qatar’s leadership to education and its recognition that developing a knowledge-based society is fundamental to the nation achieving its ambitious goals. “Education is the first priority of the state, as evident by the resources we have put into it,” said HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. “Due to the wise vision of his highness, the Emir, Qatar is building an education system that will fulfill the society needs of developing talented human resources that will lead this nation.”

Many schools, teachers and students participated in the introductory meeting held at the Four Seasons, Doha to discuss the requirements of the event. Selection for the best candidates will begin in mid October and winners will be awarded on November 11, 2009.

The EED Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the supervision and monitoring of activities important to realization of the award’s objectives is chaired by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education and Dr. Sheikha Al Misnad is the vice chair. A panel consisting of education experts nominated by the BoT will select the candidates based on set criteria.

Platinum medal awardees in the high school graduate category will receive a financial reward of QR 35,000 while gold medalist will receive QR 25,000. Outstanding university graduates will receive a financial reward of QR 45,000 (Platinum medal) while gold medal recipients will be rewarded QR 35,000. PhD holders will receive a platinum medal, an excellence certificate and a financial reward of QR 60,000.

The outstanding school will receive QR 10000, an excellence certificate and a gold medal (50% would be allocated to the school and 50% to the administration and teaching staff). The Outstanding teacher would receive a platinum medal, an excellence certificate plus QR 60000. The outstanding research by a high school student will be awarded gold medal, excellence certificate and a financial reward of QR 20000.