The Supreme Education Council building in West Bay.
By Joseph Varghese
Staff Reporter
Qatar government is willing to provide a purpose-built facility, free of rent, if the Indian embassy sets up a community school to overcome the shortage of school spaces, a senior official at the Supreme Education Council (SEC) has said.
Hamad Mohamed al-Ghali, director of Private School at SEC, pointed out to Gulf Times on Sunday that many expatriate communities have their own community schools in Qatar.
“But, unfortunately, the largest community in the country, still has no community school. A community school will help in solving some of the pressing admission worries of the Indian community.”
The official clarified that "the school should be under the supervision of the Indian embassy and not under any individuals. If there is an agreement between the Qatar and Indian governments, a purpose-built building will be provided free of rent for the purpose.”
Al-Ghali said that the authorities concerned can send in a request to the Ministry of Education, specifying the needs.
“Once the request is received, the government will take an appropriate decision. This will help in solving some of the admission worries and the new school will be able to provide affordable education to the students of the community.”
He also reiterated that all the schools in the country are provided water and electricity free of cost.
The director stressed that many new schools have been opened to accommodate more students.
Al-Ghali also disclosed that in view of the shortage of seats in higher classes, the SEC will look at the latest figures of the students in each school.
“By January 15, we will release a list of schools that can admit more children in preparatory as well as in secondary classes. This, we hope, will solve the admission problems, if there are any.”
When asked about the rising expenses in renting out school buildings, al-Ghali replied that the SEC also revises the fees of the schools regularly.
“We had given fee hike for several schools last year in view of the rising expenditure. In addition, all schools get free electricity and water.”
