Qatar Has the Best Arab Literacy Record

Doha, September 08 (QNA) - Qatar has the lowest illiteracy ratio in the Arab world, with less than 4.5 % of Qatari citizens, children of Qatari women, or children of the GCC countries, Ali Al-Kuwari, Head of the Supreme Education Council's (SEC) Parallel Education Department, said. A ratio not exceeding five percent, according to UNESCO standards, shows that the state does not suffer from illiteracy. The country adopts a parallel education strategy, which is dedicated to those who missed the opportunity for education because of the working conditions or for health reasons, Al-Kuwari said, adding that the system does not serve the elderly only but also young people whose circumstances prevented them from attending school. The SEC official explained that Qatar has followed in the steps of UNESCO to implement its plans and programs to eradicate illiteracy. "There is full coordination with UNESCO through the National Commission for Culture, Education and Science, which is the link with the UNESCO, the Islamic organizations and the Arab League, and between educational institutions in Qatar." Al-Kuwari added that illiteracy rate among women is declining at a greater rate because they are committed to attending parallel educations's evening classes more than men. (QNA)