Doha, October 07 (QNA) - HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater emphasized that attracting the wealth of talent in the nation, primarily citizens, those born in the country, and residents, is a foremost priority for the ministry so as to turbocharge the educational sector.

The Minister noted that the Ministry is working in lockstep with the appropriate authorities to deepen and expand this approach.

HE Al Khater was speaking during a ceremony held by the ministry to mark World Teachers' Day 2026 under the theme "Giving That Nurtures Generations." She added that the Ministry and Qatar University (QU) have accomplished a thoroughgoing review of the Bachelor of Education programs across their various majors, including special education, ahead of launching updated academic pathways that meet the needs of the various educational stages and keep abreast of rapidly evolving developments in the education sector.

Her Excellency availed herself of this opportunity to extend assurances of her highest consideration to HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani for his persistent support for this sector, along with his keenness to draw the talent of both Qataris and residents to work in the educational profession, stemming from his belief in teachers and their role in nations' progress.

The State of Qatar has held that elevating the teachers' standing is of paramount importance, as they are the lynchpin of the educational process and key partners in the path of national development, HE Al Khater noted.

She stressed that teachers are not measured by the knowledge they provide during the day, but by the enduring impact they leave in the hearts of students spanning many years, thereby demonstrating the profound responsibility they bear and the significant role they play in building generations and shaping the future.

  HE the minister applauded the tremendous, combined efforts the state institutions have been making during the extraordinary circumstances that unfolded in the country throughout the past period. She recalled the role undertaken by male and female teachers to ensure the continuity of education and provide students with a secure and serene environment.

Teachers have been at the forefront of those who shouldered the responsibility during that phase, Al Khater acknowledged, noting that they continued to perform their educational mission and helped support students and train them in safety and evacuation measures, a gesture that confirms their standing as educators, role models, and guides, alongside their educational role.

HE Al Khater asserted that this resilience embodies what was confirmed by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's address before the United Nations General Assembly, His Highness said that resilience is the outgrowth of planning, preparedness, and investment in people and national capabilities, considering teachers as a true model of this national investment.

Her Excellency noted the high profile of teachers in the State of Qatar, highlighting the late HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani's positive attitudes towards his teachers. This, the minister added, reflects a longstanding culture of honoring scholars and knowledge, passed down through generations in Qatari society.

Tumooh Program continues to play an effective role in supporting qualified national talent for the educational sector, HE the Minister pointed out, highlighting that the program has thus far graduated 1,766 male and female teachers, while 1,147 are pursuing their studies within the program.

She noted that male enrollment in education majors has increased from 16 students three years ago to more than 300 over the past two years, alongside an expansion of access to the program to include the children of Qatari women, holders of Qatari identification documents, and permanent residents.

The Ministry has worked to diversify pathways into the teaching profession through the "Tamheen" program, which has given individuals from various academic disciplines an opportunity to enter the education sector, HE Al Khater pointed out, adding that to date, 197 male and female teachers have completed the program through seven training cohorts.

She also hailed the existing partnership with Teach For Qatar, which since its inception has helped recruit 575 participants from different academic backgrounds into public schools, including those with backgrounds in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and Islamic studies.

In closing, the Minister clarified that more than 33,000 teachers, school leaders, and support personnel have benefited from the Ministry’s Training and Development Center programs this year, while 1,466 professional licenses have been awarded to educators.

She noted that the Khibrat program has enabled teachers to gain exposure to myriad educational experiences and bring those lessons back to their colleagues through the Innovation Leaders program, which has yielded 105 innovative projects aimed at grappling with educational challenges within schools.

Speaking on behalf of recognized teachers on the occasion of this day, Khamis al Kuwari, a Physical Education teacher at Yarmouk School, praised HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for patronizing the ceremony. He also lauded the Ministry's unwavering support for the education workforce in the country.

He emphasized that the teaching profession goes beyond imparting knowledge to shaping the character of future generations and instilling in students the values of discipline, commitment, and sportsmanship, stressing that a teacher’s lasting impact continues to shape generations of the nation for many years to come. (QNA)