The Center of Continuing Education (CCE) hosted on March 28-29 the 23rd Meeting of the Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers in the GCC, aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities to develop methods of continuing education and community service due to the changes that occur in the educational and technological framework at the global and local level.
The 2-day event drew the participation of over 30 deans and directors of community service and continuing education centers in the GCC. They shared their ideas and experiences on a wide range of issues related to continuing education and community service.
The opening ceremony was attended by QU Vice President for Administration and Financial Affairs Dr Khalid Al-Khater, QU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr Khalid Al-Khanji, CCE Director Dr Rajab Abdulla Al-Esmail, Kuwait University Vice President for Academic Support Services and Secretary General of the Committee of Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers in the GCC Dr Jasem Ramadan Alkandari, Secretary General of the Committee of Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers at Universities in Saudi Arabia Dr Abdullah Al Razeen, and deans and directors of community service and continuing education centers in the GCC, as well as QU faculty and staff.
The event’s program included two (2) discussion sessions focused on the recommendations and suggestions that emerged from the 22nd Meeting of the Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers in the GCC, the annual report and 5-year plan of the Committee of Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers in the GCC, a presentation on the proposals by Qassim University and Kuwait University, and the organizational structure of the general secretariat of the Committee of Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers.
It also included over 20 presentations on the experiences and expertise of the universities in the GCC. Each institution suggested a program or a session in areas of community service, continuing education, and skills and resources development that can be applied in the GCC universities.
In his remarks, Dr Khalid Al-Khater noted the importance of implementing the recommendations and suggestions that emanated from the 22nd Meeting of the Deans of Deanships, Colleges and Community Service Centers in the GCC. He said: “This meeting contributes to showcasing the experiences of universities in the GCC region in the field of continuing education and community service. It aligns with Qatar University’s commitment to drive forward the spirit of continuing education and community service in the wider community. We look forward to the recommendations that will emerge from the meeting’s sessions.”
Dr Rajab Abdulla Al-Esmail said: “Continuing education includes any education or training after university. It also includes the educational activities that provide the members of community with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and develop their skills. In this regard, the requirements of the labor market are not limited to university education. They also cover the development of the personal and professional skills such as teamwork and communication, organizational and planning skills. This meeting contributes to providing the efficient solutions to bridge the gap between the education sector and the workplace as well as the necessary tools and methods to shape excellent graduates who are able to compete against their counterparts in developed countries.”
Dr Jasem Ramadan Alkandari said: “I would like to thank Qatar University for hosting this significant meeting at a time when community service has become very important. We look forward to implementing the recommendations that will emerge from the meeting’s discussions. This will contribute to advancing continuing education in the GCC.”
Dr Abdullah Al Razeen said: “Community service serves as a cornerstone to strengthening links between universities and the society. This meeting provides us with a platform to share and discuss our initiatives and to explore collaboration opportunities in the field of continuing education and community service. The meeting’s outcomes would be of considerable value to the societies in the GCC.”