Volunteer-led initiative at QF powers new product line crafted by people of all abilities

The Education City Gift Shop has introduced products featuring artwork made by people of all abilities.
Titled “Dreams in Colour”, the collection features artwork by 12 artists from Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly Programme, an initiative that supports people with disabilities to engage in sporting and developmental activities.
Created by young artists with unique perspectives, the collection is a celebration of creativity and the joy of expression.
A note in the products reminds people to “explore the wonder of differences and the power of art with us. Let these creations remind you that within challenges, there's beauty waiting to be uncovered”.
One of the volunteers and a graduate of the QF’s Virginia Commonwealth University of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), Fatima al-Mannai, said: “We saw potential and saw the opportunity to make a difference and play a small role in uplifting and empowering a marginalised section of society. We saw it not as a choice but as a duty.”
Featuring local elements in the artwork, the products are for sale in the Education City Gift Shop branches located within the QF headquarters and Multaqa, as well as pop-up shops in Expo 2023 Doha and Torba Farmers Market.
All proceeds will go towards the QF’s Ability Friendly Programme.
“We are proud to be supporting the creative talent of these young artists and contributing towards creating an inclusive society where everyone’s potential can shine,” said QF Creative Studio manager Sara al-Thani. “These products embody a real and meaningful narrative of social progress – a powerful story of discovering potential, with community members empowering each other through the power of volunteering.”
Seeing their children’s art transform into a commercial product was an emotional experience for the parents of the young artists.
“I am overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions, but this has given me hope that in the future, my child will be seen beyond her disability,” said one of the mothers.
“Dreams in Colour” stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of volunteering, community engagement, and social responsibility.
Every aspect, from ideation to artwork development was driven by the dedication of volunteers, including both QF staff and students.
iPrint, the company that supplied the products, agreed to provide the items at cost price.
The Education City Gift Shop, which financially supported the production of the items, will also be directing all proceeds to support the Ability Friendly Programme.
Another volunteer, VCUarts Qatar graduate Shaikha Darwish, said: “Being a part of this project has taught me the power of taking initiative, volunteering, collective effort, and most importantly, how each one of us can, and should, forge a path towards an inclusive society.”