Development of Education in Qatar (1975/76 and 1976/77).

Overview & Synopsis

The national educational system of Qatar was established in 1956, when the discovery of oil provided a financial base for educational expansion. The government provides free education from primary school through the university and has stressed a system of incentives for students rather than declaring education compulsory on any level. Four types of education are offered: (1) general education comprises primary, preparatory, and secondary levels; (2) specialized education offers vocational, commercial, teacher training, and religious instruction; (3) university education offers a four-year course through the Faculty of Education; (4) in-service education programs offer Arabic, French, English, and public administration courses to government employees. The government has exerted great effort since 1975 to insure that Qatar's system of education will reinforce Islamic values in addition to imparting scientific and technical knowledge. Curriculum and textbooks are constantly revised and updated, and audio-visual aids are being introduced. Teachers and administrators are offered in-service courses through the Faculty of Education. The government cooperates with UNESCO in setting up sports programs for students, identifying and training talented students, and in establishing specifications for new school construction. Educational planning and research are coordinated by a committee established in 1974 by the Ministry of Education. (Author/DB)