(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar University's Center for Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers organised its annual graduation ceremony for students who had completed one-year programme. A total of 180, consisting of both male and female students from various parts of the globe, graduated from the programme.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmed Elzatahry, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mutawa, Assistant Dean for Languages, Media, and Translation Sector; Dr. Abdullah Abdulrahman, Director of the Center for Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers, in addition to the Assistant Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences, a representative from the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), faculty members, and students.
In his speech, Dr. Abdulrahman said,“Congratulations on your achievements and success throughout this academic year. Today, you celebrate and rejoice in your accomplishments during these current days.” Dr. Abdulrahman told the students to maintain their connection with the centre and to be QU ambassadors.
He mentioned that, due to the centre's good reputation, various cultural partnership agreements had been signed with different organisations and universities, in addition to about 30 agreements over the past five years. Among these agreements is the cooperation agreement between Qatar University and the QFFD, through which the fund provides 300 scholarships for students from developing countries, renewable over four years. There is also an agreement with the Turkish Foundation, under which the centre annually receives 30 students from this institution to prepare them for studying in various university faculties.
Regarding the local aspect and community service, Dr. Abdullah pointed out that the centre, in collaboration with the Continuing Education Administration, has organised numerous intensive courses that have benefited various sectors, including local banks, media channels, and health and educational institutions.
He stated that the university's College of Arts, Sciences, and Business Administration fully supports the Arabic Language Center for Non-Native Speakers, which has transformed from a programme into a multi-programme centre. Within a five-year plan, the centre will expand due to a significant increase in applicants. The Centre is expected to admit 250 students through the morning programme in the coming year, and this number will increase by 20 percent over the next five years.
Professor Rwodah Al Naimi, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at QFFD, said,“The programme was established to enhance our strategic vision for quality education and human development as we strive to provide educational opportunities for students from developing countries, especially those seeking to learn the Arabic language and explore its rich culture.”
She congratulated the graduating students, emphasising the importance of their role in introducing Qatari identity and Arab culture to their countries and being ambassadors for sustainable development.
Graduate student Einal shared his experience of joining Qatar University and becoming part of the centre. Speaking in fluent Arabic, he said,“We all felt excitement and apprehension, although our excitement was tinged with anxiety. We were excited because we were embarking on a new adventure and anxious as it was a new experience for us.” Dr. Elzatahry accompanied by Dr. Al Mutawa and Dr. Abdulrahman distributed certificates to the graduates.