Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), and Renad Academy, a member of QF, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand the successful pilot phase of the ‘WeGrow’ programme into a mainstay collaborative programme between the two organisations.
Originally launched as a pilot, the “WeGrow” programme is designed to enhance the employability and career prospects of students with learning difficulties, particularly students with autism from Renad Academy.
The programme provides tailored support, skill development training and hands-on opportunities to enable students to enter the workforce successfully.
Abdulla Al Mansoori, director of QCDC, and Matthew Campion, director of Renad Academy, officially signed the MoU at Renad in the presence of esteemed Academy board members, headed by Abeer M. Al Khalifa, president of Pre-University Education (PUE); Prof Muhammed Waqar Azeem, Board Chairman; Mark David Hughes, executive director of Special Schools and SEN Services at PUE, alongside other distinguished board members.
Their presence underscored the significance of the collaborative efforts between QCDC and Renad Academy in advancing the “WeGrow” programme and exemplified their dedication to promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with learning difficulties in Qatar’s workforce.
Mansoori expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU, stating, “The success of the pilot phase of the ‘WeGrow’ programme has demonstrated the positive impact it can have on students with learning difficulties.
“This MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter and a step forward. By working together with Renad Academy and our strategic partners, we can expand the programme’s reach and impact, empower more students, and make a real difference in their lives, opening doors to new opportunities and pathways to success.”
On his part, Campion also expressed his delight with the successful pilot of the “WeGrow” programme, stating, “We greatly appreciate our collaboration with and support from QCDC and the signing of the MoU will ensure that all students will have the opportunity in the future to engage in meaningful work-based placements and experiences.
“One of the most significant outcomes of the pilot programme was that the approach was personalized for each student. This ensured that their areas of interest and strength were fully accounted for. We are excited about the next steps and further expansion of the programme.”
The expanded “WeGrow” programme will continue to focus on its key objectives, including providing students with a comprehensive skill set, raising awareness about the capabilities of individuals with learning difficulties, helping students identify suitable career paths, and creating partnerships to support students in their career development journeys.
The signing of the MoU signifies a major milestone in QCDC’s efforts toward empowering people with learning difficulties to transition successfully from education to the labour market and integrate in the general workforce as mandated by Law No 2 of 2004 in respect of People with Special Needs. It also underscores the shared commitment of both QCDC and Renad Academy to supporting students with learning difficulties and fostering inclusive cultures and practices in the Qatari workforce.
