Qatar Career
Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), and Renad Academy,
a member of QF, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the
successful pilot phase of the “WeGrow” program into a mainstay
collaborative program between the two organizations.

Originally
launched as a pilot, the “WeGrow” program is designed to enhance the
employability and career prospects of students with learning difficulties,
particularly students with autism from Renad Academy. The program provides
tailored support, skill development training, and hands-on opportunities to
enable students to enter the workforce successfully.

Abdulla Al-Mansoori,
Director of QCDC, and Matthew Campion, Director of Renad Academy, officially
signed the MoU at Renad in the presence of esteemed Academy board members,
headed by Abeer M. Al-Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education (PUE);
Prof. Muhammed Waqar Azeem, Board Chairman; Mark David Hughes, Executive
Director of Special Schools and SEN Services at PUE, alongside other
distinguished board members.  Their presence
underscored the significance of the collaborative efforts between QCDC and
Renad Academy in advancing the “WeGrow” program and exemplified their
dedication to promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with learning
difficulties in Qatar’s workforce.

Meanwhile, Abdulla
Al-Mansoori, Director of QCDC, expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU, stating,
“The success of the pilot phase of the ‘WeGrow’ program has demonstrated
the positive impact it can have on students with learning difficulties.”

Al-Mansoori
added, “This MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter and a step forward. By working
together with Renad Academy and our strategic partners, we can expand the
program’s reach and impact, empower more students, and make a real difference
in their lives, opening doors to new opportunities and pathways to
success.”

Matthew
Campion, Director of Renad Academy, also expressed his delight with the successful
pilot of the “WeGrow” program, stating, “We greatly appreciate our
collaboration with and support from QCDC and the signing of the MoU will ensure
that all students will have the opportunity in the future to engage in
meaningful work-based placements and experiences. One of the most significant
outcomes of the pilot program was that the approach was personalized for each
student. This ensured that their areas of interest and strength were fully
accounted for. We are excited about the next steps and further expansion of the
program.”

The expanded
“WeGrow” program will continue to focus on its key objectives,
including providing students with a comprehensive skill set, raising awareness
about the capabilities of individuals with learning difficulties, helping students
identify suitable career paths, and creating partnerships to support students
in their career development journeys.

The signing of the MoU signifies a major
milestone in QCDC’s efforts toward empowering people with learning difficulties
to transition successfully from education to the labor market and integrate in
the general workforce as mandated by Law No. 2 of
2004 in respect of People with Special Needs. It also underscores
the shared commitment of both QCDC and Renad Academy to supporting students
with learning difficulties and fostering inclusive cultures and practices in
the Qatari workforce