"Hope in the Life": The Children of Qatar Speak About Inclusion‪.‬

Qatar is a small country located on a peninsula in the Arabian Gulf. Its population is approaching 800,000, of whom 500,000 are guest workers. Qatar has a high per capita income, derived from oil and liquid natural gas reserves. Doha, the capital city, is home to 83 percent of the country's population (Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2006). Modernization has increased dramatically (particularly in education and social services) since Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani became the leader of the country in 1995. Reform of government schools began in 2003. Education in Qatar is now compulsory and state-funded for all nationals. It is estimated that 98 percent of the population attends school (S. Ali, personal communication, October 19, 2006). Qatar has separate government schools for boys and girls. Primary education serves grades I through 5. Most primary level teachers are female, they teach specific subjects, such as science or Arabic, and they rotate among classrooms while the children remain in the same place. Special Education in Qatar