Qatar Chamber Education Committee discusses impact of closure of schools inside villas

The Qatar Chamber Education Committee has discussed the repercussions of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s decision to close private schools that operate from residential buildings or buildings not designated for schools.

Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, who is also chairman of the committee, said the decision to close these schools raises concern among private business investors, families, and students, as the volume of investments in these schools exceeds millions of riyals.

These schools also provide educational services to 40,000 male and female students from various academic levels from the middle and lower social classes. Thousands of workers are employed in these schools, he emphasised.

Al-Kuwari said these schools, many of which operate from villas, have obtained operating licenses from various government agencies. They also have undergone examinations and accreditation processes by local and international agencies, which indicates their compliance with educational standards and requirements while providing educational services at low fees.

He said: “Everyone agrees on the importance of having schools on pre-allocated plots of land, but we are now facing a situation that has lasted for decades and serves a large segment of citizens and residents, providing its services with quality and low prices that suit that segment.

“The ministry and the authorities concerned spare no effort in inspection visits, monitoring, and evaluation, in addition to international bodies, which calls us to renew this matter continue to renew licenses for schools established within the villas as they meet the regulatory and academic requirements and requirements, and the continuation of student registration.”

Al-Kuwari stressed that the chamber’s Education Committee always welcomes the opportunity to participate in dialogue and cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and relevant authorities, intensifying its efforts to achieve all its goals.

He thanked the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for cooperating with the chamber’s Education Committee as a representative of the private educational sector.

Al-Kuwari added that the private sector represents the largest part in achieving the vision of Qatar, pointing out that the private education sector has a major role and influence within society. It also represents 346 schools and kindergartens, 180 private educational centres, and 180 nurseries.