Shafallah Center Celebrates the Graduation of a New Group of Its Affiliates of 2025

Maryam Al-Suwaidi:

• We are proud of the patronage of H.E. the Prime Minister for the graduation ceremony of Shafallah Center affiliates.
• The State of Qatar places significant importance on integrating persons with disabilities into national development plans.
• We strive to ensure employment opportunities for our graduates with disabilities in collaboration with various state institutions.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ms. Bothainah bint Ali Al Jaber Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family, honored the graduates of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony. This year, 29 graduates received specialized educational and rehabilitative services of the highest international standards, aimed at developing their abilities, enhancing their skills, and fostering their integration into society.

Ms. Maryam Saif Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, stated that the Center is honored by the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for this graduation ceremony. She also expressed her deep gratitude for the presence of Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family to personally honor the Center’s graduates.

Al-Suwaidi expressed her pride in the accomplishments of the graduating group, emphasizing that their success reflects their strong will and exceptional abilities despite the challenges they face.

“The presence of these graduates among us today is living proof that disability is not an obstacle but a catalyst for success and achievement. We are immensely proud of them and remain committed to supporting and empowering them in all aspects of life,” she said.

Ms. Al-Suwaidi further confirmed that Shafallah Center will continue its mission to provide comprehensive training and rehabilitation opportunities to all categories, thus reinforcing their full integration into society and the labor market.

She added that the Center is working closely with relevant entities to expand opportunities for training, employment, and empowerment, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 in the areas of social justice and human development.

In this context, Ms. Al-Suwaidi emphasized that the employment of persons with disabilities is a key pillar in the National Development Strategy (2022–2027) and aligns with the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

She noted that the State is working to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce through specialized training programs, the creation of inclusive work environments, and supportive legislation and national initiatives in both the public and private sectors that encourage equitable employment without discrimination.

She also mentioned that the State aims to empower persons with disabilities both economically and socially by creating equal opportunities that ensure their effective participation in nation-building. New policies have been introduced in support of this direction, including the launch of vocational and technical training programs and the provision of necessary institutional support.

Ms. Al-Suwaidi highlighted that the primary challenge lies in shifting societal perceptions and raising awareness of the capabilities of persons with disabilities. She stressed the vital role of the private sector in offering real and suitable opportunities for this important segment of society.

She concluded by reaffirming that the Qatari government remains firmly committed to advancing social justice and human rights, and to ensuring that all members of society—including persons with disabilities—are genuine partners in the country’s development journey.

It is worth noting that the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities was established in 1999 in the State of Qatar to provide exemplary services in the fields of special education and rehabilitation for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism up to the age of 21. The Center also works to raise public awareness of their rights and issues in pursuit of greater independence and societal inclusion. Since 2013, the Center has operated under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work.