Ministry of Education and Higher Education unveils Warif Academy for students with severe disabilities

HE Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, inaugurated Warif Academy, Qatar’s first public school dedicated to serving students with severe and multiple disabilities. The academy was established through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health. 

Designed to offer a comprehensive educational environment, Warif Academy welcomes students aged 3 to 21 who face developmental and cognitive challenges alongside physical and health disabilities. The academy’s mission extends beyond traditional education, focusing on social integration and supporting their unique functional challenges. 

Speaking at the ceremony, HE the Minister emphasised that Warif Academy embodies the essence of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which recognises human development as the nation’s greatest asset.  

 She added:  “This academy represents a transformative step in providing educational services to a cherished segment of our society who, due to their complex health conditions and severe disabilities, previously had limited access to specialised education.”  

She further explained that the academy’s approach revolves around creating an inclusive, nurturing environment that goes beyond conventional educational methods. By establishing new standards for family engagement and personalised learning, Warif Academy aims to provide each student with a comprehensive support system tailored to their specific needs. 

HE Minister Al Khater emphasised that Warif Academy, which falls under the ‘My Special Path Program,’ represents another chapter in Qatar’s vision to empower people with disabilities and the nation’s dedication to developing inclusive education. 

At its core, Warif Academy combines educational excellence with practical life skills development. The facility boasts cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive range of specialised services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and linguistic therapy and psychological support, delivered by a team of experts. 

The academy’s launch begins with five classrooms, serving 30 students aged 3-14, with an ambitious expansion plan that will eventually accommodate 150 students across 25 classrooms by the 2028-29 academic year. Student admission follows a meticulous assessment process, ensuring that each child receives the precise support they need to thrive.  

Establishing Warif Academy comes as part of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Strategy for 2024-2030. It stands as a testament to Qatar’s commitment to providing inclusive education, as outlined in the Third National Development Strategy and its National Vision 2030’s human development pillar.