Doha, March 07 (QNA) - Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), Omar Abdulaziz Al Naama affirmed that the educational process in private schools continues to run smoothly through electronic learning platforms. He revealed that student attendance in remote learning classes reached 70 percent during the first week, describing the figure as a positive indicator of students' commitment and the active engagement of parents.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Naama explained that the ministry held virtual meetings with the administrations of more than 120 private schools representing a variety of educational curricula. The meetings aimed to assess schools' readiness, address any potential technical or organizational challenges, and ensure that such issues are resolved promptly to maintain the stability of the educational process. The meetings also provided an opportunity for private schools to exchange expertise and share successful experiences.

Al Naama noted that the ministry issued regulations and guidelines to organize the educational process in line with approved academic schedules. Private schools and kindergartens were granted flexibility in organizing the school day during the period from March 8 to 12 through two options: either following the official school hours adopted in government schools, or implementing a customized schedule of no less than three and a half hours and no more than five hours per day, allowing each school to choose the arrangement most suitable for completing curriculum requirements.

Regarding psychological and social support, the Assistant Undersecretary stated that special guidance had been issued for student counseling during exceptional circumstances. These directives aim to enhance psychological stability within the school community and instruct schools to develop comprehensive support plans for both students and educational staff.

In this context, Al Naama announced the release of a guide titled "The Family as the Pillar of Psychological Stability for Building Children's Mental Well-Being in Changing Circumstances." The guide provides awareness and guidance materials in both Arabic and English to ensure accessibility for all parents, while strengthening the role of families as strategic partners in supporting their children and helping them adapt positively to changing conditions.

Concerning the operations of private educational and training centers, Al Naama affirmed that the ministry is closely monitoring the progress of training programs offered by these centers. He added that the flexibility granted allows centers with programs scheduled during the holy month of Ramadan to continue delivering their services through appropriate online platforms, ensuring participants can benefit without interruption while fully complying with the ministry's approved regulations.

Concluding his remarks to QNA, Al Naama praised the high level of readiness demonstrated by private schools in activating digital learning platforms, expressing appreciation for the efforts of educational staff and the cooperation of parents. He emphasized that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education will continue its close monitoring to ensure a stable and safe learning environment for all students in the State of Qatar. (QNA)