Qatar foundation students recognized for educational excellence

Fourteen Qatar Foundation students have been honored at the 16th  edition of the Education Excellence Award.

Sarah  Faisal Al Dosari, a grade 6 student at Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), was one of the recipients, winning a Platinum Medal. 

“I felt proud and happy knowing that I had won an award, although I was very nervous to receive it,” she says. “I am glad that my hard work and efforts were recognized and appreciated in such a beautiful way.”

Al Dosari was recognized for her creativity and excellence across a variety of disciplines, including sports activities such as horse riding and archery, her skill in diction, and her academic achievements. 

“QAD’s education system and the support I received, whether from teachers or my family, encouraged me to apply for the award and helped me to achieve my goals.”

The application process for the Education Excellence Award is very lengthy, but Al Dosari was able to prepare her documents within a year – even though she heard about the registration late. She faced many challenges and almost gave up, but her determination and hard work paid off in the end.

Al Dosari believes that winning will keep her motivated, and encourages other students to never give up. “If you have a dream, keep working hard and never give up. You can achieve anything if you believe in yourself and work hard for it,” she says. 

Abdulla Ali Al-Dabbagh is a grade 9 student at Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), also part of QF’s PUE. He is the first student at QAST to receive an Education Excellence Award Gold Medal. 

Al Dabbagh credits QF’s academic ecosystem for his personal growth and development, saying: “The opportunities PUE provided - teaching me invaluable lessons about being a global citizen, open-mindedness, and cultural awareness - shaped my personality in profound ways."

Being presented with the award by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, was a life-changing moment for Al Dabbagh. “This has impacted positively my life in immeasurable ways, and it's only the beginning of my journey,” he says.

“It has motivated me to pursue my aspirations with even greater determination, and I am grateful for the recognition and support provided by the Education Excellence Award.” 

When asked about advice for other students, Al Dabbagh emphasizes the importance of hard work, a supportive organization, and exposure to activities beyond the academic curriculum, such as community service and sports. He believes these experiences enrich students' lives and prepares them for real-world challenges.

Al Dabbagh explains that the unique initiatives at QF, like the design and innovation lab at QAST, helps to foster creativity and innovation among students, providing hands-on learning experiences. “Exposure to a wide range of educational opportunities at QAST encourages students to be innovative thinkers and problem solvers,” he says. 

Al Dabbagh's goal is to work in the field of robotics, and he hopes to win at future Education Excellence Award ceremonies. “My long-term goal is to pursue higher education in engineering, with a focus on utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence to make a positive impact on society.”

Abeer Al Khalifa, President of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, says: “We are immensely proud that 14 of our students have been recognized at the 16th edition of the Education Excellence Award. This is not only a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, but it is also a reflection of our exceptional educators. 

“At Qatar Foundation, we are committed to providing our students with a world-class education, both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage our students to innovate, explore, and discover – to truly reach their full potential.”

“This is a truly inspiring program,” she says. “I would like to encourage more educators and students to consider applying for the next edition. I look forward to continuing to support them as they pursue their dreams and aspirations.”