Program aims to expand educational support and strengthen community responsibility through partnerships

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), through its Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens, has launched the “Beacon of Knowledge” initiative in collaboration with the Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services.

The initiative is designed to support eligible students and their families enrolled in private schools and kindergartens by providing educational assistance and helping them continue their academic journey. It also seeks to promote social responsibility by encouraging participation from students, families, schools, private sector institutions, and community members in charitable and humanitarian efforts.

Officials said the initiative reflects the values of solidarity and compassion while reinforcing cooperation among various sectors of society. They noted that responsibility for supporting students extends beyond the private education sector and the ministry, relying heavily on community partnerships and contributions from philanthropists. Additional social responsibility initiatives are also expected to be introduced during the year.

Dr. Rania Yousry Mohamed, Director of the Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens and Acting Director of the Department of Private School Licensing, said the initiative represents a successful integration of educational and humanitarian efforts, rooted in the belief that access to education is a fundamental right for every student.

She explained that the initiative has been expanded for the first time to include the higher education sector. Under the program, eligible students from private schools will receive a 30 percent tuition discount when enrolling at Lusail University, subject to approved regulations and procedures. The measure aims to provide continuous support from school through university education.

Dr. Rania revealed that 18,124 seats have been allocated under the Community Responsibility Project. She added that the ministry is working to further enhance the program through a more structured application and evaluation process, including announced timelines for applications and assessments. Private schools will also play a greater role in admission and registration procedures before families are informed of final decisions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ayedh Al-Qahtani, representing the Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services, said the initiative highlights the shared commitment of both the foundation and the ministry to supporting students and promoting social solidarity.

He noted that the “Our Students Support” program encourages students to contribute to the educational journey of their peers, transforming the concept of giving into a practical experience that children can actively participate in.

Al-Qahtani added that the names of participating private schools have been made available on the foundation’s website, allowing donors to choose which school they wish to support. He stressed that all eligible cases undergo careful evaluation and are presented using reference numbers and symbolic codes, ensuring that the identities of students and their families remain fully protected and confidential.