Students from across Qatar University (QU) took part in a series of charitable activities under its Leadership course that promotes volunteerism.
A total of 24 students, including 16 women and comprising five teams led five charitable and awareness events that impacted in-need QU students, sick children, the elderly, and disadvantaged members of the society.
Each leadership event highlighted the importance of connecting people to their society through acts of charity and compassion, thereby building a strong community invigorated by shared experiences.
The first event – QU Comedy Charity -- was held on May 29 by Team ‘Empower Education’ to raise funds for QU students on financial assistance. The event included stand-up routines and dinner, the proceeds of which were donated to QU Financial Aid Office. Over 100 people participated in the event which raised nearly QR50,000.
The following day, the men’s team paid visits to the elderly at the Al Ehsan – Qatar Foundation Seniors Home and organised an interactive day that included lunch and the distribution of gifts. Team member Abdullah al-Subaie explained: “We wanted to link our generation with our elders and spread happiness, as Islam teaches us. To see their smiles and enthusiasm was emotionally overwhelming”.
The day also included a health and fitness awareness activity led by Team Serajm who co-ordinated with Weyak Qatar to hold an on-campus 5km marathon that drew around 200 people. Participants applauded the event for being well-advertised and organised and acknowledged the support provided by QU international communal specialist Captain Miloud Ouiri.
On June 5, a fun day for patients at the Children’s Cancer Hospital saw Team Al Amal distribute gifts and organise games and entertainment that featured clowns, a large, fluorescent portable stage, as well as light refreshments and cake.
The final activity, held on June 18 and led by Team Al-Joud, raised funds for persons incarcerated under the Qatar Prisons Authority for non-payment of debts. Through a number of charitable events such as selling traditional Qatari food, and showing movies on campus, the team raised more than QR55,000 which served to obtain the release of four prisoners, one of who had been incarcerated for four years.
“It was a truly life-altering experience and we all felt so empowered to know that we can really make a difference”, said Sumaya al-Jaber, a participating student. “We learned to move from ‘I’ to ‘We’,” said Allabiba Al-Enzi, while Asma Khairy learned from the experience the importance of teamwork.
Leadership course professor Dr Farhan Chak said: “What was so overwhelming is that, given the opportunity, our students step up to their potential and talents and find that they can achieve wonders”.
Fun day for children at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research.
