Doha, September 14 (QNA) - The Ministry of Education and Higher Education honored 56 outstanding graduates from evening education centers for the 2025/2026 academic year, coinciding with International Literacy Day.

During the ceremony, held in collaboration with the Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex and attended by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, the ministry emphasized that evening education centers represent a leading national model for expanding educational opportunities and upholding the principle of equal access to education. These centers embody the State of Qatar’s commitment to enabling lifelong learning, thereby contributing to human capital development and supporting the nation’s sustainable development journey.

The total number of graduates from evening centers nationwide during the 2025/2026 academic year reached 759, comprising 402 male students (about 53%) and 357 female students (about 47%), an achievement that reflects the determination to complete their education and attain their academic goals despite various challenges and circumstances.

The ministry noted that the total number of students enrolled in evening centers during the same academic year reached approximately 1,620 students of various nationalities. Qatari students accounted for 48.5%, while non-Qatari students made up 51.5%. This reflects the societal diversity embraced by these centers and their role in providing equal and inclusive educational opportunities for all members of society.

In a speech delivered during the ceremony, Assistant Director of the Department of School and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Fatima Yousuf Al Obaidli stated that obtaining the high school diploma does not mark the end of the road, but rather signifies the beginning of a new phase of learning, achievement, and self-development. She emphasized the importance of graduates continuing their educational journeys and leveraging the knowledge, experiences, and skills they have acquired to build their futures and serve their nation and community.

Al Obaidli added that the Continuing Education Department plays a pivotal role in providing opportunities for individuals whose circumstances prevented them from completing their education through the formal system. It does so by offering a learning environment that enables them to develop their capabilities and opens up new horizons in education, employment, and community engagement, in alignment with the state’s vision of fostering human development and investing in people.

The ceremony featured a short film showcasing the key challenges students faced during their educational journey and the efforts they made to overcome them and reach graduation. It also highlighted the role of evening centers in providing flexible educational opportunities that help learners balance their various commitments, complete their education, and achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

The Continuing Education Department, part of the School and Student Affairs Department within the Education Affairs Sector, oversees nine evening centers distributed across various regions of the country. Comprising four centers for male students and five for female students, these centers offer flexible and diverse educational options that cater to the needs of various segments of society, while supporting efforts to expand access to education and enhance enrollment opportunities. (QNA)