Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by the Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens, has launched the second edition of the 'Hand in Hand' Student Guidance Forum under the theme: 'Towards a Safe and Cohesive Educational Community.'
According to Qatar News Agency, the opening ceremony was attended by senior ministry officials, representatives of relevant national institutions, community leaders, school principals, and social and psychological specialists, as well as prominent sports figures. The forum emphasizes the importance of student guidance as a crucial part of the modern educational system, supporting students' mental and social well-being, ensuring their protection within the school environment, and building on the successes of the first edition. The inaugural forum had resulted in the launch of the Student Guidance Handbook and the formation of a national advisory team that enhanced institutional collaboration among key stakeholders.
During this year's forum, the Ministry announced plans to expand the National Advisory Team for Student Guidance. The expansion includes additional national bodies and institutions such as the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Office of the Custodian Affairs at the Supreme Judiciary Council, and various departments within the Ministry of Interior. This expansion aims to strengthen strategic partnerships, enhance awareness of preventive and therapeutic measures, and increase the support provided to students in private schools and kindergartens.
Dr. Rania Mohammed, Director of the Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens and Acting Director of the Private Schools Licensing Department, affirmed that student guidance is fundamental in building a safe and cohesive school environment. She emphasized its role in supporting students psychologically and socially, ensuring their protection, and improving the quality of education through effective and integrated national partnerships.
Dr. Mohammed added that the 'Hand in Hand' Forum reflects the Ministry's vision for integrated collaboration among all relevant entities and highlights Qatar's commitment to developing the student guidance system. Among the initiatives is the national 'Baadi' campaign, which promotes positive behavior in line with societal values and national identity.
The forum also marked the launch of the 'Baadi' campaign to promote positive behavior in private schools and kindergartens. Inspired by Qatari heritage, the campaign targets students and their families, aiming to instill positive behavior both inside and outside the school. It encourages students committed to constructive educational practices and raises parental awareness of their role in supporting appropriate behavior. The campaign coincides with the near completion of the 'Code of Conduct' document, which will serve as a reference for behavioral standards in private schools and kindergartens.
Additionally, the forum introduced the professional platform 'Sanad', which empowers social and psychological specialists to exchange expertise, discuss professional challenges, and provide support within an interactive learning community, thereby advancing guidance practices across the educational field.
The forum concluded with a reaffirmation that the protection and care of students is a shared national responsibility. It requires institutional and community cooperation to ensure a safe, supportive, and motivating educational environment, fostering informed generations capable of contributing effectively to achieving sustainable development goals and aligning with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education's vision and Qatar National Vision 2030 for a cohesive, knowledge-based society.
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