They are citizens who are fathers, mothers and honourable brothers who spent their lives exerting strenuous efforts in the service of their beloved country.
They worked their fingers to the bone with honesty, dedication and loyalty in various fields, aiming to achieve perfection in whatever they were assigned to do.
They endured challenges, serious risks and chronic diseases while serving the country they belong to until they retired or got sacked, despite their ability to give more. Regardless of the reason for their dismissal, they all deserve appreciation from us.
The rich experiences of these seniors must be taken advantage of in the fields of training and qualifying. They must steer the young generation towards the right path in putting their abilities and skills to use in a way that contributes to achieving our national development aims.
It is so hard for us to see that they do not get what they deserve. Their marginalisation and neglect makes them feel sorrow and bitterness, for this can’t be the reward for what they gave and sacrificed for the good land we live in.
It is so painful to see that those who were students or trainees under these seniors are behind this unfair treatment. They waste huge budgets on foreign expertise while getting rid of national cadres.
Even the promised councils that were to be formed to share the expertise of these senior citizens were abandoned in favour of other entities and foundations that couldn’t exploit their experience the right way.
If it is necessary to draw on some experiences and specialities, the citizens of Gulf countries, who share bonds of kinship with us, should be considered first, of course with priority given to Qatari citizens, who are worthier and more appreciable.
If state institutions assign national cadres according to the required specialities and experience and utilise the elderly in the fields of training and counselling, it would save time, effort and money and improve their efficiency and performance.
This segment of society is a very valuable resource that should be used by reactivating its dormant roles.
I suggest setting up national training centres that can be included in an integrated administrative complex attached to the Ministry of Administrative Development or an independent institution.
Of course these centres would be set up in collaboration and coordination with the competent ministries and institutions so that we can fulfil our duties towards these productive citizens.
This step would aid the state’s and its citizens’ development. It would also help us prove to ourselves, and others, that Qatar has productive hands and minds that can achieve our national vision with vigour and professionalism.
