Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has been awarded the Best CSR Integrated Business Award for its Shams Generation solar education initiative at the Ta’atheer Awards in Dubai.
Companies from across the region competed for the annual awards, which honoured their contributions to the development of their respective societies.
To receive the awards, senior leaders of the shortlisted organisations were invited to a presentation ceremony during the 13th Mena Social Impact and CSR Forum in Dubai.
Shams Generation is an ongoing interactive learning programme that combines science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics and provides students with a hands-on approach to learning using solar energy. In Arabic, Shams means sun and the programme emphasises the importance of solar energy and sustainability.
This year, the programme will reach more than 7,000 students across schools and universities in Qatar. It is currently gearing up to begin its third campaign to educate the young generation on the sustainable technologies of the future, according to a statement.
Dr Khalid K al-Hajri, chairman and CEO of QSTec, said upon receiving the award: “We are extremely proud of QSTec’s Shams Generation initiative and I would like to thank all the teachers and students who have worked with us and made this solar learning programme such a resounding success.”
The seven other companies that competed for the Best CSR Integrated Business award were AES Jordan, Sedco Holding Group, Clyde & Co, Al Tamimi & Company, Aster DM Healthcare, Microsoft Gulf and Farabi Petrochemicals Company.
In addition to the Best CSR Integrated Business Award, QSTec’s Shams Generation was also nominated in two other Ta’atheer Award categories for Best CSR Impact Initiative and Best Community Development Initiative.
QSTec is a joint venture with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, SolarWorld AG and Qatar Development Bank. Education is a key mandate for the organisation, the statement adds.
Dr Khalid al-Hajri receiving the award.
