Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education has launched a new scholarship program for academically distinguished high school and university students who wish to pursue a career in education or work as education consultants and educators.
This scholarship was awarded to three outstanding students who graduated from Awsaj Academy – a school under Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Pre-University Education (PUE) – and are currently studying at universities in the United Kingdom with different specializations: Education; English Language; and Special Education Needs. And after they graduate, the three students will join QF in the capacity of a teacher or an employee where they will contribute to enhancing education in Qatar.
“When I got the scholarship, I was excited to start a new journey in the field of education, and seek to expand my knowledge in a field that I am interested in,” Maryam Al-Abdullah, a recipient of the scholarship, said.
Al-Abdullah spoke about her experiences in school that prompted her to study education, specifically Special Educational Needs. “When I was in school, studying was not easy for me, and no one was able to help me. I moved to five different schools, and I always felt that I didn't get along with the other students or I wasn't good enough.
“At the time, someone suggested to my mother to get me tested for learning disabilities. When I was tested, we found that I have something called non-verbal learning disability, and that’s why I always struggled. After the experience I went through, it made me think about how other students might be struggling as I did with an undiagnosed difficulty. Therefore, I wanted to be able to help students find the best way to learn, and to be able to get the right education and support,” Al-Abdullah said.
Al-Abdullah’s goal is to become a teacher not just for students with special needs, but for everyone. She believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and that with the right tools and support, everyone can achieve success. “Personally, I see a need to educate people on the subject of special educational needs, and the need to remove the stigma surrounding them. Special needs are not something to be ashamed of – we are all special and different in our own ways,” she said.
Al-Hanouf Ahmed Al-Dosari, another recipient of the scholarship, said this scholarship was a recognition of her work that she accomplished during her years of study at Awsaj Academy.
“Since I graduated from school, getting this scholarship has been one of my biggest dreams. Fortunately, I was selected as one of the first students to get it, and this motivates me to do my best in my university, as I will try to support the field of education in my country more broadly,” Al-Dosari said.
Al-Dosari pointed out that her father’s vision of the importance of education, his keenness and encouragement for her encouraged her to choose this field, and to choose the English language. “I believe that education in Qatar has developed from what it was in the past, and I hope that my colleagues and I will contribute to supporting the education sector through different specializations, and help our community members get the best.”
When Fatima Hassan Al Hammadi received the news of her award, she felt that all her hard work had finally paid off. “I chose to go into education because I know that change will happen just by trying to hear the voices of students, and how we can help them be better,” Al Hammadi said.
“My goal is to leave a positive mark on the education system in Qatar, and I would like to be a teacher or a consultant for children with special needs. I will always strive to contribute to the development of the education system in Qatar. For example, I will try to provide an environment that motivates students to talk about their mental health and raise awareness about this to make schools a safe environment for all types of students.”
