Qatar to Honor Distinguished Achievement in Education at Annual Education Excellence Day

On November 11, 2007, Qatar will hold its annual Education Excellence Day, honoring high achievement in education by Qatari students, teachers and schools. Education Excellence Day illustrates the commitment of Qatar’s leadership to education and its recognition that developing a knowledge-based society is fundamental to the nation achieving its ambitious goals. Education Excellence Day is held under the auspices of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

“Education is the first priority of the state, as evident by the resources we have put into it and the establishment of the Supreme Education Council. Due to the wise vision of his highness, the Emir, Qatar is building an education system that will fulfill the society needs of developing talented human resources that will lead this nation,” said HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. “Education excellence is a characteristic of creative and innovative societies which are looking toward the future and we celebrate the success of our students, teachers and schools in their quest for excellence.”

Education Excellence Day recognizes achievement in the following categories:

• High school graduates – students who achieve a minimum of 95% on required education standards
• University graduates – students who receive a minimum of 3.6 GPA or its equivalency
• Ph.D. holders – recipients of Ph.Ds in various disciplines
• Teachers – the most excellent three teachers in Qatar
• Schools – the most excellent school in Qatar
• Research projects by high school students – the most excellent scientific research project conducting in a Qatari school

All honorees must meet specific requirements for the awards, which are detailed on the Education Excellence Day website at www.english.education.gov.qa/EED The deadline for nominations is September 25, 2007. Information on the nomination process is also included online.

In addition to celebrating accomplishments in education, Education Excellence Day aims to motivate the nation to strive to meet these standards as well.

This is the second year that Education Excellence Day will be celebrated in Qatar. "It builds on the tradition of Education Day, which had been celebrated in Qatar for 44 years."

The Education Excellence Day Board of Trustees developed the guidelines and policy for the awards and has the ultimate authority in selecting the honorees. The Board reports directly to the office of HH the Heir Apparent. The Board is led by HE Sheikha Al-Mahmoud, Minister for Education and Secretary General of the SEC with Dr. Sheikha Al Misnad, president of Qatar University, serving as the deputy president.

For more information about Education Excellence Day or to speak with a representative call 4559362 or email: excellence@sec.gov.qa