Doha: HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater inaugurated the Bunyan Student Center on Sunday, a new initiative focused on the holistic development of young people across spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and creative dimensions. The opening event, located at the Granada Preparatory School for Girls, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), alongside students, educators, religious leaders, media professionals, and social media influencers.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Bunyan Student Center is designed to nurture a balanced and conscious generation that thrives on its values and skills, contributing to societal advancement. Its mission is to cultivate a spiritually, intellectually, culturally, and healthily integrated generation equipped with life skills and a strong sense of community belonging. The center's multifaceted approach includes the educational field to instill values and morals, the academic field to enhance knowledge and skills, the sports field to promote health, and the cultural field to foster an authentic Islamic and Arab identity.
During the opening ceremony, Sozan Zaghmout, Consultant at the Office of HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, highlighted the center's inception as a response to challenges faced by youth, particularly the overuse of technology. Zaghmout noted that while technology offers benefits, excessive use can weaken real-life connections and hinder experiential learning. The Bunyan Center aims to provide a supportive environment with comprehensive programs that nurture youth in various capacities, ensuring they develop life skills and maintain strong values.
The center's inaugural program, "I am seven and I will pray," underscores the importance of prayer as a foundational religious practice and personal development tool. Designed for children aged 7 to 8, the program introduces students to prayer through engaging educational and recreational activities. On its first day, the center welcomed over 500 students participating in morning and evening sessions conducted in Arabic and English.
Participants engaged in activities across seven stations, each designed to teach different aspects of prayer and Islamic practice, such as "prayer is a gift" and "purity is light." The program included Quran recitation, lessons on ablution, and interactive sports activities, culminating in a group prayer session. The event concluded with a film presentation outlining the center's vision and mission, reinforcing the day's lessons.