Regular classes were started in 1956 when there were seven schools with 614 students. Two ladies centres were opened in 1976. Illiterate students were given four years of elementary schooling after which they were granted their literacy certificates. In the past such students were also given incentive allowances of QR150 per month. The Ministry of Education and Culture takes care to ensure the subjects studied are appropriate to the emotional needs of the students and that those given to female students are directly relevant to women's needs.
Latest statistics indicate that illiteracy in Qatar has declined in recent years.