DOHA: Qatar University (QU) yesterday launched a new initiative to support children with learning difficulties to improve their literacy skills in Arabic and English.
The Reading Together for Qatar project initiated by QU’s College of Education aims to support primary schoolchildren in Grades 1 to 3 with learning difficulties.
It aims to develop their reading skills and encourage wider community participation in the education of young children.
This is the first such scheme in Qatar.
An initial pilot study will involve two schools and 16 volunteers, comprising faculty, staff and students from Qatar University. If successful, the programme will be rolled out across Qatar, in all primary schools.
Each volunteer will receive comprehensive training before working with one pupil for a full term.
The volunteer will use materials prepared by literacy experts, which will focus on the particular needs of that pupil.
Pupils with specific reading difficulties will be identified, and their programme structured to reflect their needs.
The main aim is to improve the levels of reading and general literacy in primary schools across Qatar.
The project is based on the results of research on diagnosing and remedying reading difficulties, and using research on effective reading instruction.
The Dean of QU’s College of Education Dr Hissa Sadiq launched the new programme, along with QU Vice-President and Chief Academic Officer Dr Mazen Hasna and Director of the Supreme Education Council Education Institute (SEC-EI) Haya Al Kuwari.
Dr Sadiq said: “This project aims to identify at an early stage the children who are having problems with reading and, through one-on-one support, to help them to overcome these issues.
“It provides unique opportunities for volunteers to get involved in really helping transform the lives of children – what could be more satisfying than that?”
SEC Education Institute Director Haya Al Kuwari said: “Qatar University is a key partner in the development of education in national schools.
“The Reading Together For Qatar project supports children to develop their reading skills and sets them up for a lifetime of loving to learn.
“This project also supports the culture of volunteerism in education in Qatar’s society.
“We would encourage everyone to get involved with their community.
“We wish QU, the schools, pupils and volunteers every success,” Al Kuwari added.
The Peninsula
