College of the North Atlantic (CNA), Newfoundland and Labrador’s public college and the State of Qatar announced today, in Qatar, that the Canadian and Qatari partners have agreed to an extension of the Comprehensive Agreement. The partnership represents the largest international post-secondary agreement involving a North American institution and is valued in excess of CDN $1 billion.
Both parties expressed pride in what they have accomplished together to date and are pleased to move forward with further contributions to the National Vision of the State of Qatar. The phenomenal growth and success of College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) during the initial 10 years exceeded all expectations, growing from 300 students in 11 programs in 2002, to 2,550 students and 37 programs in 2012.
The partners are now focused on the need for a plan which will be responsive to emerging training needs and opportunities throughout the fast-developing State. In addition to the obvious need to plan around the unprecedented growth of the oil and gas, business and health science sectors in Qatar, the current planning process is challenged by the significant training opportunities that will arise in the work of fulfilling Qatar Vision 2030 and FIFA 2022 to be hosted by the State of Qatar.
CNA President and CEO, Ann Marie Vaughan, highlighted the value of the relationship and dedication of the partners.
“The strength and value of the relationship which has developed between the partners is a model for international cooperation in education partnerships,” said Ms. Vaughan.
To date, thousands of CNA-Q alumni and numerous industries, government and NGO’s are reaping the benefits of the relationship. Since 2002, more than 1,000 Canadian employees have had the opportunity to work, grow and contribute in an international setting in one of the most advanced countries in the world, bringing the value of this experience back to Canada.
“This speaks to the real value of the relationship and mutual support of each of the partners.”
Contracting activities in terms of renewal and recruitment of staff are now expected to proceed at a fairly rapid pace.
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Media Contact:
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca