Doha, Qatar: In a major step towards strengthening educational equity and social solidarity, 46 private schools and kindergartens across Qatar have collectively provided more than 4,000 free and discounted educational seats for eligible students, under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s (MoEHE) “Community Responsibility of Private Schools and Kindergartens” initiative.

Launched in October last year, the project reflects the growing commitment of the private education sector to support families in need and contribute to national human development goals. During a recent ceremony, the Ministry announced that the number of seats has crossed 4,000, with the estimated value of free seats over a ten-year period exceeding QR18.6 billion, underscoring the long-term impact of private sector participation in education.

The event was attended by H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of MoEHE, along with assistant undersecretaries, private school license holders, and school and kindergarten directors.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs Omar Abdulaziz Al Naama described the initiative as a key national milestone that embodies effective partnership between the government and the private sector. He emphasized that education in Qatar is not viewed merely as a service, but as a shared national responsibility and a strategic investment in human capital.

Al Naama highlighted that Qatar’s development vision places people at the heart of progress, guided by leadership that considers education the foundation of national strength, human dignity, and sustainable growth. He noted that the provision of thousands of free and discounted seats reflects deep-rooted Qatari values of social responsibility, solidarity, and national duty, while strengthening cooperation among all stakeholders.

Dr. Rania Mohammed, Director of the Private Schools and Kindergartens Department and Acting Director of the Private Schools Licensing Department at MoEHE, described the initiative as a pioneering national model for community responsibility in education. She affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to educational justice, equal opportunities, and supporting deserving families.

Dr. Rania revealed that participation in the project has doubled from 21 schools in December to 46 in January, while the number of curricula offered has expanded from four-national, British, Indian, and American-to nine. Newly added curricula include International Baccalaureate, Egyptian, Pakistani, Tunisian, and Syrian systems.

She also highlighted several qualitative initiatives under the project, including the launch of evening classes at the Syrian School with a capacity of up to 500 students, offered at the lowest approved tuition fee in private education at QR3,000 per seat. This initiative was implemented in coordination with the Ministry, the Syrian Embassy in Doha, and the school’s administration to widen access to affordable education.

In another notable contribution, the Modern British International School has launched a fully free evening session offering more than 400 seats, setting a strong example of institutional social responsibility.

Dr. Rania added that the project has also drawn support from business leaders, with individual businessmen and businesswomen sponsoring students in low-cost schools through annual financial contributions, further strengthening community participation.

She further announced the launch of the Community Responsibility Framework for private schools and kindergartens, developed since the 2024–2025 academic year. An annual award will be introduced from the 2026–2027 academic year to recognize institutions that excel in community responsibility, with the framework set to be applied across all private schools and kindergartens in Qatar.