Sheikha Moza Visits Warif Academy

Doha, Qatar: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, visited Warif Academy, the first government school of its kind in Qatar, which provides inclusive educational opportunities and comprehensive rehabilitation services in Arabic for students with multiple disabilities who have not had access to education.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza was accompanied by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, along with a group of experts and specialists in the field of special education.

During the visit, Her Highness toured the academy's highly specialized educational facilities, developed to support students with multiple and severe disabilities. Warif was established through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) and Qatar Foundation (QF) and with the support of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).

Her Highness commended the strategic partnership, stating: "We have an ethical and social responsibility to care for children with severe and multiple disabilities, requiring the innovation and development of tools to address their needs. I thank the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Public Health for their valuable contribution in establishing a specialized educational entity, designed to care for children who live with developmental and cognitive disabilities accompanied by physical and health impairments. Warif Academy will complement and enhance Qatar's efforts in this sector."

Her Highness met with students and observed the teaching and rehabilitation methods used to address their diverse needs. while also listening to their stories and educational experiences.

Following her tour, Her Highness was briefed about the joint efforts of QF and MOEHE to develop Warif Academy. Its initiatives provide specialized academic programs and holistic therapeutic interventions, fostering an inclusive environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Nael Mohammad, Director of Warif Academy, said:“Warif Academy is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students who previously lacked access to schooling. Through comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs, we aim to equip them with the skills needed for social integration and to help them achieve their aspirations.”

Highlighting the academy's impact on students, he explained:“What we are witnessing is not just isolated improvement, but significant, holistic progress among most students, thanks to the integrated and comprehensive therapy provided by the academy.

"We do not simply offer educational services like traditional schools; we also provide specialized therapeutic programs in speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology."

He emphasized that assistive technology has played a transformative role in the lives of many students, enhancing both their communication abilities and overall quality of life, saying: "One student who previously required constant assistance for mobility is now able to move independently after just a few weeks at the academy. This highlights the academy's crucial role in fostering independence as a key life skill for these students."

“We have already begun preparations for the admission process for the upcoming academic year. As the academy continues to expand, we plan to enroll 30 new students annually, reaching a total of 150 students within the first five years.”

Mohammad highlighted that student admissions are based on a rigorous, multidisciplinary assessment to ensure their individual needs are met according to the highest standards.

Warif Academy provides a comprehensive educational environment for students with multiple disabilities, including developmental and cognitive impairments accompanied by physical and health challenges. This necessitates specialized care and advanced therapeutic and educational programs to support their unique needs.

The academy is being developed in five gradual phases, with the first phase, which began last January, including five classrooms for students aged 3-14 years. Its capacity will expand annually to accommodate students up to the age of 21, ultimately reaching a total of 25 classrooms with a capacity of 150 students by the 2028-2029 academic year.

MENAFN20032025000063011010ID1109338748