From left: Lolwa Al Khater, Najlaa Hamad Al-Saffar, Hamad Faisal Al-Thani
Doha, Qatar: For students graduating from Qatar Foundation’s schools after years of learning, growing, and building their dreams within their classrooms, and who have now been accepted into one of the organisation’s universities, it’s a moment that feels like much more than just the start of a new academic journey.
It’s the continuation of a path through a unique ecosystem of learning that began in childhood; one that will keep being shaped by the same environment and places that have nurtured them over the years. Being admitted into a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university means staying within a community where they truly feel they belong – a place that has become part of who they are, personally and academically.
These students, and their classmates, are this week being celebrated at the Qatar Foundation Schools Commencement Ceremony. Among them is Lolwa Al Khater, whose years at Qatar Academy Al Wakra (QAW) one of the schools under QF’s Pre-University Education will always remain close to her heart.
Having studied there from Preschool 4 to Grade 12, she says: “We grew up with the same teachers and students over the years, and that made our relationships very strong.”
Now accepted into Northwestern University in Qatar, a QF partner university, Al Khater says her interest in the university began through family and friends who spoke highly of their experiences, and their lasting connection to the university even after graduation.
“That made me curious to learn more,” she says. “After researching it, I felt it was the right fit for me academically, especially in terms of the major and subjects it offers.”
From a shy child who hesitated to speak in class to a student preparing to begin her university journey at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), another QF partner university, Najlaa Hamad Al-Saffar’s long journey at QAW reflects years of growth within QF’s educational ecosystem – from kindergarten through Grade 12, and now in university.
Recalling her early days at QAW, Al-Saffar says: “I was very shy about speaking at school, even though at home I spoke freely with my family about everything.” As the years passed, however, the support of her teachers, friends, and the school environment played a major role in building her self-confidence: “I don’t think I would be the person I am today without them.”
Today, Al-Saffar is preparing to say goodbye to her school, which has become far more than just a place to study; it is where she grew up and where much of her personality was shaped. “My classmates at school are like family to me,” she says. “We grew up together and built our dreams together.
Students from the Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), also part of QF’s Pre-University Education, have also had the chance to pursue their dream of joining a QF partner university and take an important step towards the future they hope for. ABP helps students prepare for university life both academically and personally through a supportive environment, academic guidance, and skill-building opportunities.
Hamad Faisal Al-Thani says his experience at ABP, was a transformative period of learning and personal growth. “This programme opened new horizons for me and taught me how to set clear goals and work toward achieving them step by step,” he says. “Through academic guidance and a supportive environment, I was able to, within a short period of time, gain admission to QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University to study Mechanical Engineering.
