A perspective on life in Qatar
On February 14, 2024, Renata Alt, Member of the German Bundestag (the German Parliament) and Chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid since December 2021, visited the German International School in Doha, Qatar. Her aim was to get a comprehensive picture of the lives of people in Qatar and to get to know the reality on the ground.
The visit also enabled a meeting with representatives of the German International School in Doha, which was organized by Ms. Kerstin Vaessen from the German Embassy in Doha. She, the principal Kai Darmstädter, his deputy Niels Bodenschatz, the head of the primary school Ms. Trapp, the head of IB Ms. Karnebogen, and the head of administration and finance Ms. Friessleben emphasized above all the welcoming culture in Qatar, especially in Doha, as well as the high security standards and the associated high quality of life in the country.
During the visit, MP Renata Alt discussed various aspects of life in Qatar with the principal and other representatives of the school. Topics such as education, security, cultural exchange and the public image of Qatar in Germany were addressed.
In particular, the school representatives emphasized that Qatar wrongly has a negative public image in Germany. They pointed out that the country promotes an open and tolerant society in which people from different cultures and religions live together peacefully. The high quality of life and the numerous opportunities for education and professional development contribute to the fact that many expatriates and their families feel at home in Qatar.
Overall, Renata Alt’s visit to the German International School in Doha provided an opportunity to experience the diversity and dynamics of life in Qatar first-hand and to break down prejudices. It enabled a constructive exchange between political decision-makers and representatives of local educational institutions and helped to further strengthen relations between Germany and Qatar.
In addition, a discussion with students from classes 11 and 12 also took place during the visit of MP Renata Alt to the German International School in Doha. The students had the opportunity to express their perspectives and raise questions on the topics of education, security, cultural exchange and the public image of Qatar in Germany.
It became clear that the young people have a strong interest in intercultural understanding and global affairs. The direct exchange resulted in an open dialog about the diversity and opportunities that life in Qatar offers.
The students’ involvement underlines the importance of an inclusive and participatory approach to political and social issues. Their involvement helps to build bridges between different cultures and nations and to promote cooperation and understanding on an international level.
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