As part of their bilateral cooperation; The Public Works Authority “Ashghal" and Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) geared towards training and employing the staff members of Qatar Foundation for Social Work's affiliated centers such as Shafallah Center for People with Disabilities, The Orphan Care Center (Dreama), and Al Noor Center for the Blind in the Public Works Authority “Ashghal".

This memorandum comes in alignment with Qatar Foundation for Social Work's interest to support and strengthen the centers under its command, advance them, develop and activate their roles in society, and set strategies, policies and programs that may contribute to the upgrading of these institutions to enable them achieve the goals for which they were established. The signing of this memorandum also reflects the social role of Public Works Authority, and echoes its strenuous efforts in social responsibility towards a number of important groups in society.

In addition to the fields of training and employment for employees of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work centers at “Ashghal", the memorandum pursues organizing joint events between the two parties to achieve the strategic and common goals between them. For its part, Qatar Foundation for Social Work will also hold introductory seminars for Ashghal's staff members. By the virtue of the agreement, both parties will be providing the necessary media support, by employing a gamut of forms, including joint events and activities related to social work.

The MoU was signed by H.E Mr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Kuwari, the Chief Executive Officer on behalf of Qatar Foundation for Social Work whilst HE Dr Eng. Saad Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, the President of Ashghal signed the MoU on behalf of it. The three-year term agreement will be effective as of the date of conclusion by both parties, and can be automatically renewed for similar period/periods. Also, a joint committee will be formed from representatives of QFSW and Ashghal to set the controls and mechanisms for implementing this memorandum, including defining the roles and responsibilities of the parties to the agreement regarding the scope of implementation and settling any arrangements needed to be undertakes.

Among its provisions, and as it may be agreed between both parties, the memorandum confirmed the possibility of seeking the assistance of members from governmental or non-governmental agencies, organizations, competent international or local bodies, or individuals. The MoU provisions shall also apply to the protocols and cooperation agreements emanating from it.

Ahmed Al-Kuwari: We are keen to take turns and collaborate with various state institutions

Commenting on this strategic cooperation, H.E Mr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Kuwari, Qatar Foundation for Social Work's CEO stated that the Foundation is resolved to build bridges of cooperation with various state-owned entities, reiterating that the Foundation seeks to empower all its members, especially persons with disabilities (PWD) and orphans, as it adopts a sanguine outlook about their capabilities and strives to achieve real empowerment for these groups.

This partnership corroborates Qatar Foundation for Social Work's new strategy which counts on three main pillars, including cooperation and excellence. Teaming up with Ashghal in training and employing staff members of QFSW and its affiliated centers demonstrates the new orientations and lines the Foundation adopts, which entail focusing on serving and empowering various groups in Qatari society, he added.

Dr. Saad bin Ahmed Al-Mohannadi: The MoU comes in alignment with Ashghal's strategic principles

For his part, H.E Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, President of the Public Works Authority “Ashghal" stated that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Foundation for Social Work aligns with the framework of the Ashghal's strategic principles, which emphasize achieving excellence and developing capabilities. The Authority believes in the role and capabilities of everyone, including orphans and people with disabilities.

Stemming from this belief, it sought to create training and employment opportunities for them, he added, stressing that the memorandum confirms the social role of the authority on the one hand, and reflects its true corporate social responsibility towards a number of important groups on the other.

The Public Works Authority is devoted to support all development operations in society to achieve Qatar Vision 2030, he stated, adding that socio-economic development requires that sectors across all fields must pool their resources.

 About the Public Works Authority

The Public Works Authority “Ashghal" was established in 2004 to oversee the design, construction, delivery and asset management of all infrastructure projects and public buildings in Qatar. Ashghal's main activity is supervising the design, construction and management of giant projects for roads, sewage and public buildings such as schools and hospitals. It is a key supporter of socio-economic development process to achieve Qatar Vision 2030, through several projects that serve ports, logistical and industrial areas, as well as local communities in the regions. Ashghal's strategy is based on four main strategic sectors: health and safety (HS), and achieving excellence, capacity building, augmenting its customers and stakeholders.

About  Qatar Foundation for Social Work

In 2013, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser (the founder),  launched Qatar Foundation for Social Work as a private organization for public benefit, to contribute to the achievement of human and social development in the State of Qatar. The Foundation contributes to social and human development and serving the Qatari society through its specialized centers in the fields of supporting family stability, care for orphans, child and women protection, youth empowerment, care and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and care for the elderly. Under its auspices there are seven centers, namely, the Social Development Center (NAMA), Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, Best Buddies, Family Counseling Center (Wifaq), Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), Orphan Care Center (Dreama), Protection and Social Rehabilitation Center (Aman), and Al Noor Center for the Blind​