Dr Abdulnassir S Tamimi, executive director, student services, Qatar Foundation speaks to QH on its various steps to build global citizens in Qatar Foundation.
QH: How does Qatar Foundation define academic leadership in its social/extracurricular initiatives?
Tamimi: Education is one of the key pillars at Qatar Foundation (QF) and thus the leadership has taken steps to set the groundwork for innovation and collaboration ensuring that its academic curricula and extracurricular initiatives continue to evolve. In 2021, the QF leadership introduced six flagship initiatives aimed at driving the next phase of QF’s higher education advancement, with a primary focus on multiversity student engagement and success, a model that ensures a continual evolution of academic curricula and extracurricular programmes within its unique ecosystem.
Leadership in social and extracurricular initiatives involves enhancing the overall student experience by developing programmes and organising activities outside of the classroom that create opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, communication, and interpersonal abilities, and instilling in them a sense of responsibility to advocate for the environment, social justice, equality, and sustainability.
QH: What role do social/extracurricular activities play in fostering educational excellence within QF’s ecosystem?
Tamimi: QF has established an exceptional ecosystem that goes beyond conventional education, integrating various components through its social and extracurricular programming to support the development of its students. Many multiversity initiatives have been launched that play a pivotal role in advancing educational excellence. They provide students with essential employability and transferable skills throughout their academic journey, aiming not only to enhance their immediate employment prospects upon degree completion but also to instill a sense of social responsibility and citizenship. For instance, QF launched the Office of Wellness and Spiritual Life which is responsible for applying spiritual and cultural principles to cultivate a healthy, positive, inclusive, and successful educational experience for all students.
QH: How does QF ensure its social/extracurricular initiatives prepare individuals for local and global impact?
Tamimi: QF employs various strategies to ensure their social and extracurricular initiatives prepare individuals for local and global impact. Strong partnerships with our esteemed international partner universities enable the development of meaningful exchange programs and study abroad opportunities for students. Service learning has become an integral part of the university curricula across Education City. Integrating service learning into the academic framework allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Internships with local and international NGOs, government agencies, or socially responsible businesses offer hands-on experience that contributes to societal well-being.
QH: What strategies will QF prioritise to enhance academic excellence in its educational ecosystem?
Tamimi: To enhance academic excellence in our educational ecosystem we plan to continue to fulfill the QF Higher Education vision by focusing on the 4 important priorities that will continue to build the momentum of developing, integrating, and promoting multiversity initiatives throughout Education City. We will continue to invest in attracting a diverse body of learners who will bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the academic community. Bringing together students from various nationalities, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds will help foster cross-cultural understanding, develop a global perspective and promote tolerance and appreciation of one another.
QH: Talk us through 5 things that you will implement in the next 3 years at QF.
Tamimi: QF Student Services aims to prioritise several key initiatives. A significant focus will be on establishing a comprehensive and easily accessible mental health support system. While our universities have excelled in preparing students for the workforce, we plan to further enhance career development and job placement services.
We will offer more multiversity student engagement programming where that will promote cross-collaboration and networking. Finally, recognising the increasing importance of global competency, we plan to expand study abroad opportunities for our students through reciprocal partnerships with top universities worldwide.
Short Shots
Favourite travel destination: Mombasa, Kenya
Most favourite book: Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin
Most favourite meal: Machbous
Best advice received: “Take advantage of five things before five things seize you; Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, Your wealth before your poverty, your spare time before your being busy and your life before your death.” by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Favourite unwinding method after a long day: Spend time with my kids and stay updated by reading the latest news on current events!
