Every country needs to document its present and preserve its past so that next generation can understand the journey of the nation. These narrations need to be introduced to the young minds for them to understand the trajectory the state has taken to reach where it has reached.
This becomes even more important when the nation passes through events, which it has never witnessed before, like the illegal blockade Qatar had to endure from it’s neighbours. The siege by the four Arab countries brought in many changes into the way people conducted their life and managed their vocations.
It is well documented through various media outlets how Qatar bounced back and became self-reliant and how quickly alternatives were found and how fast real allies came together with support.
Such actions are very important milestones in the history of the country and these will shape the future of its citizens and residents. These historical moments has to be well-documented and passed on to the next generation as this will help them understand the ethos and values of their country.
In this context we need to appreciate the Ministry of Education for introducing lessons on the illegal blockade to school curriculum. Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi said that a part of blockade lessons will be added in the curriculum of the first semester while its major portion will be part of the second semester.
“Blockade taught us self-reliance, confidence, dependence on Allah, love of the country and loyalty to the leadership.” These words by the Minister sums up what every person staying in Qatar witnessed and gone through to emerge stronger.
It is imperative that a nation educates its young about its history and make them aware why it had chosen the path it eventually took. A well-informed young mind will be able to decipher and take appropriate action in the future when faced with difficult situations.
Teaching about blockade and how Qatar came together as a nation to defeat it will also instil pride and love for the nation in the young minds. On a higher level this also provides a very good lesson in economics, trade and diplomacy.
We will surely see more studies, researches and dissertations about the blockade and how Qatar managed to defeat it. Learning about it in the classrooms is a welcome step in that direction.
