QDB, Ministry of Education wrap up second edition of “Ana Raed” program

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Development Bank, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, wrapped up the second edition of “Ana Raed” program, an initiative designed to foster a culture of entrepreneurship among school students. The program, which stands for “I am an entrepreneur” in Arabic, aims to inspire creativity and equip youth with the skills to contribute innovative ideas, products and services that bolster Qatar’s economic growth and diversification.

The latest edition, which attracted students from 33 public schools, an 18% year-on-year increase, featured 24 advisory sessions and 8 training sessions led by QDB to empower students to lay the foundations of innovative ventures in terms of developing a feasibility study, assessing operating costs, projecting profits, and accessing funding.

The program also featured training sessions for academic staff, equipping 50 teachers with the necessary entrepreneurial skills to supervise student-led ventures.

Commenting on the program, Professor Maha Zayed Al Ruwaili, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, said the Ministry believe in the importance of enabling companies and SMEs to recruit qualified students. “We have been focused on developing our students’ creative skills, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and embracing the principle of sustainability with the aim of building a better future for our children. We also strive to contribute to the development of our national economy and to engage various state institutions to incentivize youth to create and innovate.”

“The ‘Ana Raed’ program is aligned with the Ministry’s vision and its strategy of adopting innovative educational models. The business administration curriculum features topics that touch on the labor market, planning budgets, estimating operating costs, and calculating profits. Qatar Development Bank has played an effective role in developing the educational model, breaking the school routine, and developing an innovative study model that focuses on equipping students with the required practical skills through training and consultations that foster entrepreneurial ideas, and introduce students to the world of entrepreneurship in order to deliver outcomes that meet Qatar’s aspirations,” Dr. Al Ruwaili added. “Today we proud to celebrate the achievements of our students throughout the second edition of the program, which had a significant impact in terms of inspiring creativity and creating opportunities that give birth to distinguished entrepreneurial ventures while fostering a culture of creativity and innovation among our students.”

Dr. Al Ruwaili thanked QDB for implementing the program, and for its sincere efforts in embracing entrepreneurs and providing support for SMEs.

Addressing attendees during the closing ceremony, Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, QDB’s Executive Director of Advisory and Incubation, said the bank was honored to participate in organizing this initiative, which contributes to uncovering talents and shedding light on the creative and innovative approaches that youth are embracing to tackle today’s challenges.

“For the second consecutive year, we witness with great admiration our students’ passion and ambitions, and celebrate their abilities and skills,” he said.

Dr. Mejegheer explained that the program was designed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with the aim of improving and developing the educational process in the field of business administration. “We sought to inspire youth to innovate and enhance their role in serving their communities.”

Dr. Mejegheer emphasized QDB’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and creativity across the national entrepreneurship ecosystem, and to empowering youth to deliver on their ambitions and contribute to the growth of Qatar’s knowledge-based economy.

The competition featured the participation of 182 students from 33 schools, with Nasser bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Secondary School for Boys securing the first place. Amr Ibn Al-Aas Secondary School won second place, while the Al-Sheehaniya Secondary School ranked in third place.

In the girls’ school category, Al Khor Secondary School earned the first place followed by Al Shaima Secondary School while Al Kaaban Secondary School ranked third.

“Ana Raed” lies at the core of QDB’s efforts and strategy to foster economic development by providing entrepreneurs and SMEs with access to integrated advisory and financing services and supporting innovative local ventures. Through its successful partnership with various entities, QDB continues to bolster a culture of entrepreneurship and to deliver on its objectives to advance Qatar’s economic diversification, enable the private sector to innovate and compete in international markets, and to empower Qatari entrepreneurs.