Documentation is of great importance to the Qatari national memory, and in this context, Qatar University Library has shed light on the field of education during different periods. This was done through the Oral History Committee at Qatar University Library where members have worked on collecting and documenting these narratives to display Qatar’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
These interviews were conducted with several individuals who lived through and witnessed important events from the past. The efforts to maintain the history of this sector are a way to connect the younger generation with their past and illustrate the way things have changed throughout the years. As a result, the project will present to the local and international community these changes, allowing the transfer of knowledge and experience to others.
The First Radio Broadcast of the Friday Prayer
Qatar University Library had the honor of meeting some prominent figures, including Youssef Darwish. Darwish discussed many interesting topics, including the history of education, the radio broadcast of the Friday prayer and the unification of the call to prayer that was done through the government, in addition to finding the seal of the country’s founder in Umm Salal Muhammad.
The Importance of Sports
In an interview, Dr. Saif Al-Hajari elaborated on the country’s focus on sport and the way it works to improve its status and place on the world map. With that, he noted that his interest in sport had a huge positive impact on his personality. He talked about when he was first interested in sport and when he first started playing football, which led him to be a professional in this field and playing for the Qatari national team.
Mohammad Harb Farzat described the Qatar University Library Oral History Project as being of great importance
Dr. Farzat talked about the beginnings of education in Qatar, the establishment of Qatar University and its founders. He also talked about the establishment of the History Department at Qatar University and the role this department played as well as the events and the stages the university went through to be what it is today. In addition, he talked about many other developments Qatar went through and other important individuals who he worked with in the education sector and are critical figures today, such as Dr. Ibrahim Al-Nuaimi and Dr. Sheikha Al-Misnad.
Abdul Hameed Al-Kharraz is one of the most important leaders of the scout movement and a prominent activist in Qatar
Mr. Al-Kharraz touched on the education system that used to take place in the evening and the many events that he encountered during his work with individuals of different nationalities and cultures. Since he had a huge role in the scout movement in Qatar, he talked about the ways scouts had a positive role in shaping and introducing different values for the young participants. Al-Kharraz also spoke about his participation in the internal scout camps as well as in the external camps such as the one that took place in Kuwait, and Taif, as well as his representation of Qatar University in the Conference of Universities in the Arab Countries (1999). This interview is an important reference for those interested in the history of scouting and its legal and social development in Qatar.
The Emergence of Education for Girls
Aisha Ali Al-Kharraz, talked about her personal experiences and the most interesting features of the establishment of the education for girls in Qatar. Al-Kharraz spoke about the beginning of her non-systematic education, and described the role of Amna Mahmoud Al-Jaidah where she supported her to be enrolled in formal education. The first school for girls was launched in 1955 and she discussed the trend of the increase in the number of students in the classes in that period.
Al-Nu'man Elementary School in the North of Qatar
Muhammad Radi Abdullah talked about his contribution to the field of education since the seventies. He started his journey as a teacher in one of the country’s villages at Al-Nu’man Elementary School in the village of Al-Nu’man in northwestern Qatar. During the interview, he mentioned several interesting memories from his time in that school. Later on, he worked in many other schools in Qatar that include, Omar Bin Al-Khattab Primary School, Al-Rayyan Al-Jadeed School, Al-Gharafa and others. Also, this interview covered aspects of his contribution in different scout camps from the camp in Zekreet and other scout camps in Qatar.
Nasser Al-Othman and the Education Figures in Qatar: Amna Mahmoud Al-Jaidah
Nasser Al-Othman talked about the pioneering role that Amna Al-Jaidah had on education in Qatar as a first Qatari teacher. Oral narrations reveal a picture of a strong-willed, passionate, hardworking woman who was keen on education and science. Moreover, he touched on the development of education and the many stages it when through in addition to his recollection of stories about the times he lived through. When talking about literature, the first International Book Fair in Qatar was held in 1970, in addition to other millstones in the world of Qatari journalism.