DOHA: Amid complaints about a severe shortage of private schools in the country, the Qatar Chamber, representative body of the private sector is conducting a survey among investors and school operators on the obstacles facing private education.
QC Vice-Chairman and Head of Education Committee Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Towar Al Kuwari told this daily yesterday many investors have been complaining about the long procedures for opening new private schools.
With a rapid increase in the country’s population, the number of applications seeking a licence to set up private schools have increased. Besides the increase in demand for schools, the restrictions imposed on the number of students in each class has caused the current shortage of seats, he added.
Many investors are also complaining of a shortage of purpose-built school buildings as well as the high rents. He said the purpose of the study is to identity the major obstacles facing private education and take it up with the competent authorities to find suitable solutions.
The study conducted through a questionnaire will focus on many issues including legislation and regulations relating to establishing an educational institution and to what extent they are clear, comprehensive and fulfill the requirements.
The questionnaire also seek feedback the duration needed for issuing private licenses, admission age, efficiency of the electronic registration system and the current school fees standards.
He called on private schools and investors in this sector to participate in the survey by expressing their views and suggestions. He said the findings of the survey will be sent to the authorities concerned for follow-up and action.
The Peninsula
