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Mme Mechmech had the immense honour of teaching His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani when he was a student of Doha College, the school said in a statement, adding that she remembers that time with a great sense of pride.
She has lived through the transformation of the school and that of the country at the same time; to many people who have since travelled to far-flung corners of the world, she is part of their memory of Qatar. When alumni return to visit the school, they ask about her first.
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From 2016
Mme Mechmech has taught not just the French language, but also many aspects of the French culture, and has been a nurturing presence that has become synonymous with the Doha College ethos. On the sports field, she introduced students to the secrets of pétanque, a French ‘boules’ game. Her cooking course has been a go-to for hundreds working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and the enticing flavours drifting from her room – particularly that of ‘crêpes françaises’ – made everyone wish they were in her class.
The languages department marked her milestone anniversary in the principal’s office. “I have stayed all this time because of the lovely people at Doha College. It’s my home,” Mme Mechmech told her colleagues on the occasion.
Dr Steffen Sommer, principal of Doha College, thanked her for her devotion to the college, adding: “In all my years working in schools, and there have been many, I never had a member of staff with this length of service. Mme Mechmech has been with Doha College for 30 out of its 41 years of existence. She is an invaluable part of Doha College history, and she has our everlasting gratitude.”
