Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi with other officials welcoming students on the first day of the new academic session yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Over 10,000 first-grade students across Qatar’s government primary schools received a special welcome yesterday as the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) launched the “First Step” initiative in cooperation with Rafeeq, marking the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.
The initiative, launched as part of the national back-to-school campaign, targets 10,700 newly enrolled first-grade students in 103 government primary schools, providing them with welcome gifts and school supplies accompanied by messages of encouragement and support.
MoEHE Undersecretary Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi inaugurated the initiative during field visits to Al Rashad Model School for Boys and Al Bayan First Primary School for Girls. He was accompanied by Abdullah Thamer Al Hemeidi, CEO of Rafeeq, along with ministry officials.
During the visits, Dr. Al Nuaimi toured classrooms and joined first-grade students as they experienced their first moments at school, presenting them with “First Step” gifts.
The activities created a welcoming atmosphere filled with excitement and enthusiasm as the children began their educational journey.
The initiative aims to make the first school day a positive and motivating experience for children while helping them transition smoothly into the school environment. It also seeks to foster a sense of belonging from the outset and reinforce the image of school as a safe, supportive and stimulating place for learning.
The ministry said the initiative reflects its commitment to placing students at the centre of its priorities and ensuring that children are welcomed into an engaging educational environment from their very first day.
Dr. Al Nuaimi said the ministry wants every child entering school for the first time to feel cared for, valued and welcomed, describing school as a “second home” that should open its doors with a sense of love and security alongside education and knowledge.
He said the initiative demonstrates how government institutions and the private sector can work together to support education and strengthen social responsibility, contributing to the development of a capable generation that can continue Qatar’s development journey.
CEO of Rafeeq, Abdullah Thamer Al Hemeidi expressed the company’s pride in taking part in the initiative, stressing that supporting educational and community initiatives is an important part of its national responsibility as a Qatari company.
He said the company was proud to be part of an important moment in the lives of thousands of children taking their first steps into education, adding that creating smiles and giving students a sense of welcome and care represents an investment in their future and helps build positive memories.
