Qatar Shell, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Qatar Scientific Club sign MoU to roll out NXplorers programme across schools in Qatar

Doha, Qatar - Qatar Shell and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and Qatar Scientific Club have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to roll out the innovative NXplorers programme across schools in Qatar. The programme aims to equip students with the tools and skills to develop solutions to real world issues.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Rashid Majed Al-Sulaiti, Deputy General Manager of Qatar Shell Companies, and Ms. Fawziya Al Khater, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs of the MEHE, and Dr. Hareb Al-Jabri, Director of Qatar Scientific Club at Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre.

In line with the MoU, an Arabic edition of the NXplorers programme, specifically designed for Qatar, was introduced to the educational curriculums of 10 middle schools throughout the 2019-2020 academic year to raise students’ interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields.

Following the success from the launch of the pilot stage, the NXplorers programme will expand to benefit 30 schools across Qatar.

Commenting on the programme, Al-Sulaiti said, “Qatar’s fast-moving, diverse economy needs a pipeline of qualified, home-grown talent with the right 21st century skills to grasp this great opportunity. The NXplorers programme will do just that ─ equip young people for tomorrow’s careers by enabling them to tackle the grand challenges of an ever-changing global society.”

Al-Sulaiti further explained that, “These teachers, trained by our global Shell delivery partner in the NXplorers methodology, will run the workshops in schools with the support of our local delivery partner, Qatar Scientific Club, as well as Qatar Shell volunteers and STEM ambassadors. Students will then be able to apply what they have learned to their projects and even compete in a national STEM competition.”

In preparation for the programme roll-out, training sessions commenced in January, when teachers from 10 different government and international schools in Qatar, including the Qatar Academy Al Khor School, received intensive training delivered by Shell’s global delivery partner at the Qatar Scientific Club.

Around 50 teachers and coordinators attended the training sessions and were equipped with the necessary tools, skills and knowledge to enable them to successfully deliver the NXplorers programme to their students.

Commenting on the launch of NXplorers programme Ms. Fawziya Al Khater, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs of the MEHE: “We always aspire to form strong and strategic partnerships with different entities in Qatar and therefore we are pleased to collaborate with Shell Qatar in providing the needed skillset and tools that will help students solve issues in a real complex world. Our main focus at the moment is to increase students’ interest in STEM subjects through the programme’s activities and curriculum.”

The programme was rolled out to schools in Qatar this month and students are already embarking on their projects’ implementation. The submission of projects is scheduled for late April, with a planned awards ceremony in May.

Throughout the programme, 11 to 14-year-old students will be coached on developing systems to better understand specific challenges and devise creative solutions. This approach helps students develop problem-solving and integrated thinking skills and encourages youth to pursue STEM careers.

Dr. Harib Mohammed Al Jabri, Executive Director, Qatari Scientific Club, said “the club, in line with its role in attracting and empowering youth and students to innovate in scientific fields, and its commitment to promoting their ideas and projects, will offer technical and logistical support, in partnership with Qatar Shell and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, by providing access to equipped laboratories to support the innovative NXplorers program. The club will also provide technical and practical assistance to students to carry out their research and projects.

The NXplorers teaching methodology is delivered in three distinct areas: Exploring issues, connections and perceptions; Creating future scenarios; and Planning for change.

Shell’s NXplorers programme currently operates in 17 countries around the world and has benefited over 35,000 students. It is principally focused on addressing issues surrounding food, water and energy.

About Qatar Shell

Shell is the largest international investor in Qatar, having invested USD 21 billion over the past decade. QatarEnergy and Shell have jointly delivered two of the largest energy projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) is the world’s largest GTL plant and cements Qatar’s position as the GTL capital of the world. At an investment of up to USD19 billion it represents the largest single investment in the Shell Group’s global portfolio.

The Qatargas 4 Liquefied Natural Gas project (QE (70%) and Shell (30%) combines Shell’s global leadership in LNG with Qatar’s position as the world’s largest LNG supplier.

Shell has established a world-class research and development facility and a learning centre, the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre, at the Qatar Science & Technology Park. Shell has a financial commitment to invest up to USD100 million on programmes in support of energy and the environment at the Centre over a 10-year period.

Qatar Shell contributes to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 not only through our economic investments, but also through our investments in national talent and capability development, both internally through the professional development of our Qatari employees, and externally through our extensive Corporate Social Responsibility programme, positively impacting Qatar, in partnership with Qatari institutions.

For more information, please visit: www.shell.com.qa and please follow us on Twitter: @Shell_Qatar and Instagram: shellqatar

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Alex Trott
Email: Alex.Trott@shell.com