Zeinab Preparatory School for Girls .. providing invaluable opportunities for Qatari girls

In her over 15 years of teaching, Meriam Al Awadi helped many children learn the fundamentals of mathematics, sharing necessary skills to help them succeed in life. She starting teaching at Al Wakra Preparatory School in 1991and was there when it converted to an independent school, seeing firsthand the positive changes that education reform in Qatar is creating. Now, as the school operator for the Zeinab Preparatory Independent School for Girls, Al Awadi is helping Qatar’s youth in a new way.

As the operator for the recently opened independent school, Al Awadi is responsible for governing the school and ensuring that it is preparing its students to meet the highest international standards.

"Generally, globalization requires change in teaching methodologies, openness to the outside world and respect of other people’s cultures and values. I would like to develop a generation that can think critically," said Al Awadi. "It is our mission at the school to create an aware generation, one that knows how to overcome obstacles. We have developed a curriculum that helps our students build strong character and foster respect for other cultures."

Zeinab Preparatory Independent School for Girls offers students curriculum in the fundamental subjects outlined by the Supreme Education Council, but its distinguishing factor is its unique design and graphic department. The program, which was created in cooperation with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Education City, teaches students a wide range of design and arts skills.

“Most schools focus only on traditional arts such as drawing, but not all students have these skills. Our program teaches far more and allows students to explore different areas of the arts, such as graphic design, photography and handcrafts,” said Ibtisam Hamza, a design and arts teacher at the school. “We continue to work with VCU to obtain the latest in design aspects”

Ms. Hamza is one of the many highly qualified teachers recruited to the school. During the hiring process, Al Awadi was certain to hire the right balance of new and experienced teachers, bringing a strong mix of concrete knowledge and new ideas. She said that the diversity of the teachers has helped in curriculum development.

The school year has started off extremely successfully at Zeinab Preparatory Independent School for Girls. The school opening went smoothly, with all the facilities in excellent condition, the latest technology in place and enough buses to transport all the students. Teachers are teaching interesting and meaningful lessons to engage students. But Al Awadi knows that there is still much to be done.

“We continue to evaluate students to determine their individual differences and tailor the curriculum to meet their needs,” she said. “Also, we continue to communicate with the parents. My door is open all the time and we meet parents on a weekly and even daily basis.”

Al Awadi, who stated that the biggest advantage of this education reform initiative in her option is the freedom given to the operators, is grateful for the support she has received from the Supreme Education Council and the Education Institute in opening Zeinab Preparatory Independent School for Girls. With a school coordinator present at all times, she receives the continuous support needed to face the challenges of operating the new school.

Ms. Huda Shimmari, a mathematics teacher admits that the qualities of an operator go a long way in helping create a comfortable atmosphere for employees on the job therefore motivating them to give their best. “Besides, independent schools are superior in terms of the infrastructure and facilities and I have everything I need as a teachers.”

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work thus succeeding in making true achievements,” says Haya S. Mazroui, the science teacher. “Because most of the laboratory equipment and tools were available since the beginning of the school year, we have managed to achieve a lot in such a short period of time.”

With ten years experience Meriam Al Khulaifi an English language teacher was naturally incorporated into the independent school when her school was converted. “I chose to remain here with my students and I really like the degree of improvement I see in the students.”