October 14, 2024,
The first SEND Conference, themed “Unity,” was held on 14th and 15th of October 2024 at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar to advance inclusive education practices across Qatar. The social worker and school counselor of SIS participated in the same . This event was organized by Private Schools and Kindergartens Department and served as a foundation for furthering inclusive education practices and support structures in Qatar. Key objectives include building supportive communities for children with disabilities, promoting inclusion in schools, enhancing service access, and improving special education environments.
On Conference Day One, 14th October 2024, the event opened with remarks from Mr. Omar Al-Naama and Dr. Rania Mohamed, who highlighted Qatar’s strong commitment to fostering inclusive education. Contributions from UNESCO and the British Embassy further emphasized the global significance of inclusion within educational systems. Keynote speakers, David Bartram and Daniel Sobel, provided valuable insights on effective strategies and best practices for inclusion, drawing from experiences in schools around the world. A standout moment was the student performance by Nadim Naja, which poignantly illustrated how inclusive education can unlock the full potential of every student, regardless of their background or abilities.
The conference outlined a comprehensive SEN framework, emphasizing early identification, inclusive policies, collaboration with service providers, regular monitoring, and ongoing educator training. True inclusion should provide equal opportunities for all, embrace diversity, and involve continuous educator support. These efforts are fundamental to fostering a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
Conference Day Two, 15th October 2024, of the SEND Conference, organized by the Private Schools and Kindergartens Department, brought together educational leaders, teachers, and specialists to advance inclusivity for students with special educational needs (SEND) within Qatar’s private schools. The day began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by engaging presentations. Dr. Nouf Mohamed Al Siddiqi introduced Qatar’s National Autism Plan, outlining key strategies for supporting students with autism, while Mr. Simon Berry, Executive Principal of Doha British School, highlighted the critical role of staff training and creating supportive school environments. A moving piano performance by Nadim Naja, a SEND student from Hamilton International School, showcased the remarkable potential of inclusive programs. Dr. Rania Mohamed also presented the SEND framework and quality standards for private schools, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to effective inclusion. Contributions from Qatar International School and Sherborne Qatar highlighted their inclusion strategies, with Sherborne students performing a celebration of diversity. The event also featured panel discussions on maximizing consistency in inclusion, led by Ms. Berna Bouwer from GEMS School, and a Sherborne Qatar panel focused on fostering peer interactions between SEND students and their classmates. Practical workshops, including sessions on “Embracing the Fully Inclusive School” and “Supporting Student Well-Being,” provided educators with actionable strategies to support students with learning difficulties, speech communication challenges, and autism. Overall, the conference was a day of collaboration, reflection, and forward-thinking strategies aimed at strengthening inclusive education across Qatar’s private schools.
Dr. Rania Mohamed concluded with a call to action, encouraging schools to cultivate inclusive environments and foster ongoing collaboration within Qatar’s private education sector. The conference set a strong foundation for supporting SEND students and maintaining high standards in inclusive education. The insights gained offer valuable practices for enhancing SEND support in our school environment.
