Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani with a child. Picture shared by the Education Minister in a social media post.
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater has announced that Qatar has expanded its education voucher programme for children with disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), extending support to include children enrolled in nurseries and students attending private education centres.
In a post on X, the minister said the expansion, approved by the Cabinet, represents a new step toward strengthening equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities and ASD by providing them with the best possible environment for cognitive, behavioural and educational development alongside their peers. Under the expanded programme, annual educational vouchers ranging from QR43,000 to QR78,000 will now be available for eligible children attending nurseries as well as students enrolled in private education centres.
Al Khater said the inclusion of nurseries and private education centres marks a significant development on several fronts.
It is expected to reduce the financial burden on Qatari families, strengthen early intervention during a critical stage of children’s cognitive, emotional and developmental growth, encourage greater private-sector investment in specialised educational services, and enhance the quality and sustainability of these services.
She noted that the expanded coverage would also enable families to access educational and rehabilitation support beyond regular school hours and throughout school holidays, providing children with continuous care while easing the pressures faced by parents.
The minister said the Cabinet-approved expansion establishes a comprehensive support framework for eligible beneficiaries based on approved medical reports.
The initiative aims to ensure early intervention, provide appropriate educational and therapeutic care, support the development of children’s abilities, and reduce the financial costs associated with specialised treatment sessions.
''We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, for his close follow-up and continued support for these valuable initiatives, particularly this project. This reflects the steadfast commitment to progress and development that has long characterised the State of Qatar under the generous patronage of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and in accordance with His Highness’s directives.''
She reaffirmed that ensuring access to education and rehabilitation for children with disabilities and ASD is a shared national responsibility, adding that providing suitable learning environments for this important segment of society remains a source of pride for the country.
