Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF)’s academies have taken part in National Day celebrations by hosting traditional and educational activities to commemorate Qatar’s culture and legacy.

QF members Qatar Academy Doha, Qatar Academy Sidra, Qatar Academy Al Wakrah, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Awsaj Academy, Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) and Qatar Music Academy (QMA) organised a diverse range of activities to mark the occasion.

Students and staff at the five Qatar Academies went to school dressed in their finest traditional Qatari apparel to add to the festive mood. Activities included henna decoration, face painting, pearl making and traditional art and crafts for students and families.

The traditional sword celebration, Arda, was performed by students who also recited patriotic poems to express their love for Qatar.

The events were aligned with QF’s mission to preserve the nation’s heritage and instil a sense of pride among the young by enhancing their knowledge about Qatar’s cultural life.

In order for students to learn more about Qatar’s heritage, history teachers organised a presentation in both English and Arabic, explaining the country’s past and how it has been shaped to today’s dynamic environment.

Dr Eric Sands, Qatar Academy Doha director, said: “From the student sword presentation (Arda) in the high school to the variety of activities on offer throughout the campus, our community has embraced the wonderful spirit of friendship, tradition and culture on display.”

Qatar Academy Msheireb, a new QF member, hosted its first Qatar National Day celebration. Its director, Suad Abdulla al-Kindi, said: “Every year on December 18, I renew my commitment to providing a quality education that celebrates authenticity and modernism in total synergy. Qatar National Day beholds the meaning of love, solidarity and loyalty among its people and towards Qatar’s leadership.”

QLA students participated in Darb Al Saai festivities in addition to the Qatar National Day military parade on December 18. QLA director Brigadier Ali al-Kuwari added, “Qatar is full of traditions and a rich culture of Islamic values. Our flag honours those who have fought to protect Qatar and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation’s founders and heroes. For more than 100 years, we have been proud of our heroes and their achievements. This is why I live for and love Qatar.”

To celebrate Qatari culture, QMA’s Arab and Western music departments held a short concert featuring these two kinds of music. QMA also offered workshops in rhythm and percussion, as well as an interactive lecture by the Arab music department discussing Arab music origins and instruments.

“Qatar has given me more opportunities than I could ever ask for. Although Qatar is small in size, it makes up for it in its goals and ambition,” said Fatima al-Jefairi, a QMA student.

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