The Ministry of Education was one of the first ministries to be established in Qatar; it was set up in 1956. Regular governmental education had been introduced in 1952 with the establishment of the first primary school. In 1956, the system of modern education was begun in three stages:
Primary -- 6 years of schooling
Preparatory -- 3 years
Secondary -- 3 years
In addition, specialized and technical schools have been established. In 1973, the School of Teachers formed the nucleus of Qatar University which now includes seven faculties.
The government provides all sectors of the Qatari people with all types of education, general and specialized. It also offers adult education and literacy programs, and there are special classes for the handicapped.
The state provides textbooks, stationery, transportation, sports clothes and gear for all pupils at all levels of education. It also offers financial incentives for Qatari pupils, organizes religious and cultural celebrations and competitions, scouting and scientific tours, holds exhibitions and provides boarding facilities for pupils in remote areas and those of foreign missions resident in Qatar.
University education began in Qatar in 1973 with two faculties, one for boys and one for girls. It was recognized as a full-fledged university in 1977 and now comprises seven faculties in addition to four research centres, a computer centre, The Educational Technology Centre, The Gulf States Development Research Project and The Technical Bureau for the Development of University Education.
In view of the fact that education is a major contributing factor to the well being of any society, the Emir of Qatar issued a decree in 1973 proclaiming the establishment of the College of Education. Fifty-seven male and ninety three female students were admitted in the first year. Further development in the country made it necessary for the college to be expanded to accommodate new areas of specialization. As a result of this, the University of Qatar was founded in 1977 with the specific aim of providing education, training and research opportunities in the various fields of specialization needed to enrich the people and advance the welfare of the nation. The university hosted four colleges when it opened: Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Sharia and Islamic Studies.
The Graduate Employment Committee comprises a number of senior officials whose job is to integrate and absorb the number of Qatari university graduates into various government bodies and other businesses and enterprises.
The committee's main concern is to ensure optimum use of the graduates and their knowledge so they can best contribute to development and progress.
In 1962 the Department of Training and Vocational Development was set up to help supply the country's demand for skilled and semi-skilled labour. The aim is to qualify and train Qatari workers and technicians. In addition to several training centres, a regional training centre was also established in 1970 with the help of the United Nations Development Programme.
This centre comprises special workshops and installations to accommodate training in the following fields: mechanics, air-conditioning and refrigeration, welding and industrialization, carpentry and decoration, filing and turnery, power-generation and water distillation, in addition to two sections for sanitary and electrical installations.
The centre also trains female Qataris in the fields of modern clerical and secretarial work in school administration.