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World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) recently brought educational leaders, young curators, and the global community together to discuss the disruption in education due to Covid under the theme ‘Generation Unmute’.  In a WISE report, data showed that school closures have had a devastating impact not only on learning but have shown the role of a school to be much more than just an unspoken transaction between a teacher and the student, highlighting the inequalities within the educational institutions.  According to the Chief Executive Officer of Edios Global, Lucia Burtnik, children– especially in the developing countries, have not returned back to school and they are most likely to drop out. Institutions and school leaders will now have to reimagine education for those that were left behind.  The 2015 Yemen war forced award-winning filmmaker and journalist, Miriam Al Dhubaani, to leave her home country and restart her life. Her education was interrupted by circumstances that were not in her control.  “I had to restart my life and trying to rebuild yourself while being broken is very hard,” she said, adding that the belief of gaining education was instilled in her as a vital goal. This is just one story but the pandemic has not only brought more challenges to the education sector but has also exposed the issues rooted within our education institutions - lack of student agency and educational inequalities.  Although shifting the physical classroom into a virtual setting has allowed most of the world to continue their learning, for the world’s two-thirds of the school-age children, the internet is not accessible, therefore an interruption in their education has led to severe consequences.   These marginalized communities exist all around the world and though students may themselves be ready to be part of the change, they lack access.  Samia Afridi, a development sector practitioner in Pakistan, recalls her experience with developing a content strategy for 90 girls in South Punjab receiving their education from a community-based school.   Along with the standard curriculum, these 90 girls were introduced to the basics of a computer such as turning it on or off and practicing simple browsing, “instead of having a huge interest in their curriculum, they were more excited to talk about what they learned in their IT class, for example finding the recipe to make biryani.”  She observed that education is about experiential learning and context-based rather than a standard textbook lesson.  Initiatives such as The EdUp Experience bridges ideas between leaders in order to inspire a progressive change. “What we have done is collated ideas in podcast form for educational leaders to talk about their ideas and if other people listen to it, they become more progressive,” said Joe Sallustio, co-founder of EdUp Experience.  The virus has accelerated the need to improve education much faster than the world expected to and the definitions of learning and success are constantly. A system where a student learns the test from the textbook does not work in the fast-paced world of today and not only the curriculum but assessments must be reimagined. “Even if you acquire knowledge by the book, it won’t be enough [for today’s labour market] because the book is changing,” said Burtnik.   It is not only the institutions that need the change, but empowering students to gain agency in their learning is essential in today’s world. “They are ready for the change and the way we can facilitate them is by connecting them with technology,” said Afridi.  Redesigning education means changing the transactional relationship between a teacher and a student to one that is based upon the equal exchange of learning. For Burtnik, this can be possible once teachers learn to step back as they are not the owners of knowledge. “We are asking them to let go of that immediate authority and I understand that it is scary but we cannot move forward without it. The youth is the future but labour markets must be prepared for the change they will bring through their values, expectations, and needs. The conversations at WISE 2021 surrounded putting young people at the forefront when reimagining the future of education. The way forward is to unmute the youth and amplify their voice. 

As part of the ongoing celebrations of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', students of MES Indian School participated in a postcard writing campaign. The programme was organised to commemorate the 75th year of India’s Independence. Students had to write on the topics ‘Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle’ and ‘My Vision for India in 2047’. The students were engaged in the act of sending a postcard with positive messages, which validated the thinking of young minds. The postcards written by students of Classes IV to XI depicted various aspects and views on a futuristic India and how the freedom struggle impacted them. They selected the topic of their choice and penned down their thoughts about their favourite unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, and their vision of how they would like to see India in 2047. The activity instilled a patriotic feeling among the students. A total of 1,894 students from the Boys’, Girls’ and Junior sections participated actively in the campaign, and the best 10 postcards with the best ideas were selected and uploaded on the Central Board of Secondary Education portal.

Grandparents' Day was celebrated at MES Indian School on a virtual platform recently. The day began with a welcome dance followed by an 'action song.' Children from KG showcased their affection for their grandparents with a dance performance. The icing on the cake was the 'Oppana Dance' by the tiny tots of KG. Principal Hameeda Kadar addressed the gathering and referred to the boundless affection that grandparents shower on grandchildren. Grandparents shared some unforgettable moments and re-lived their moments of childhood with their grandchildren.

A student from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, was placed in the top five at the recently held Challenge & Innovation Forum Qatar 2021. Mohamed al-Qassabi was recognised for his invention of a detection system for football matches that detects offside plays, as well as performance and injury issues. The competition also included a hackathon portion, where teams worked together to create a new invention within 48 hours. Al-Qassabi’s team was placed second by creating an invention that provides feedback to home fitness enthusiasts. CMU-Q’s Houda Bouamor, assistant teaching professor in information systems, served as a mentor during the hackathon portion of the competition. Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, congratulated al-Qassabi: “Mohamed is a true inventor. Over the past several years, he has continuously applied the knowledge he learns at CMU-Q to refine his invention.” The first competition of its kind in the Mena region, the Challenge & Innovation Forum hosted 100 participants from 38 countries. The competition was hosted in collaboration with government and industry partners, including the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Scientific Club. “I like these kinds of competitions because they help me develop my project,” said al-Qassabi. “I get feedback that can help me make it better.” Al-Qassabi, who is studying information systems with a minor in Arabic studies, was recently placed third in the 'Stars of Science' innovation competition that is televised throughout the Arab world. During that competition, he expanded his invention from an offside detector to a system that can also sense performance issues or injuries. “I like learning new things, and then making them work,” said al-Qassabi. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offers undergraduate programmes in information systems, as well as biological sciences, business administration and computer science.

In keeping with its aim to lead and shape the conversation about critical legal issues in Qatar, the College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University recently held the inaugural ‘Clinton W Francis Lecture in Legal Professionalism’ in the presence of invited guests, students, faculty and staff. The college launched the lecture series in honour of founding dean, Dr Clinton W Francis, who is presently a professor at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. The lecture, to be held annually, is designed to bring heightened attention to the rules that govern the practice of law, both in terms of their substance as well as their application. The lecture also seeks to honour Dr Francis and his contributions to the College of Law, which is celebrating its sixth year. The inaugural lecture, presented by Mohammed Essa al-Mannai, general counsel and board secretary at QatarEnergy, highlighted the responsibility of lawyers to exercise judgment in a reasoned, objective, and ethical manner across a range of circumstances, including many that raise conflicting norms. One of the most influential lawyers in Qatar, al-Mannai’s expertise spans corporate governance, dispute resolution, and joint venture transactions. He shared his observations on professional conduct and the nature of legal practice within the corporate environment. Dr Francis responded to al-Mannai’s address and built on the latter’s emphasis on the unique role of the lawyer as a fiduciary for clients. The College of Law’s dean Susan L Karamanian moderated an interactive session with the audience in which members posed challenging questions about how to best incentivise ethical conduct in the workplace. “We are delighted to launch the Clinton W Francis Lecture in Legal Professionalism. We were honoured to have had our founding dean, Dr Francis, with us and to have had one of Qatar’s most experienced lawyers, Mohammed al-Mannai, share his insights into an issue that is of importance to lawyers and law students, alike. The College of Law seeks to strengthen the focus on legal professionalism in practice as ultimately society benefits when lawyers adhere to the highest ethical standards,” said, dean Karamanian.

The Philippine International Institute Qatar (PIIQ) has participated in preparing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) for a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS), which aims to provide relevant information on the culture, tradition, economy, laws, and other relevant issues and concerns that they need to be highly aware of while living and working in Qatar. The programme was organised by the Philippine Overseas Labour Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) in Qatar, in co-operation with the Philippine embassy in Doha, Philippine Professional Organisation-Qatar (PPO-Q), HERO-Qatar, Philippine National Bank Doha, and PIIQ. Excerpts from its rationale stated, “The PAOS is part of an effective information dissemination strategy to prepare and equip our workers at every stage of the migration process, as a means to reinforce the information provided in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), establishing their social integration abroad. “POLO seeks to institutionalise the conduct of the PAOS at post and tap its partners: worker’s organisations, employers, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders in the conduct of a structured orientation programme. The rationale of this initiative is to impart uniform information and educate new arrivals with the basic and common knowledge on the rights, responsibilities, working conditions, welfare, and their personal safety here in Qatar, and the assistance they can expect from the Philippine government and other reliable organisations.”    

The budding scientists of DPS-Modern Indian School participated in the International Conference on Sustainable Energy Water and Environment Nexus in Desert Climates (ICSEWEN21) organised by the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), a part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University. It was the third edition of the Young Innovator Award and the topic for the competition was 'Old problems, new solutions: the next big thing for the energy-water environment nexus'. It was open to all school pupils in Qatar with specific activities for different age groups. The DPS-Modern Indian School team, ‘Resilient’, represented by Sanjana Senthil (Grade IX D) and Razan Gafoor (Grade IX C) under the guidance of their mentor Mini Devadas Gopan won the second prize in the Senior Category 1. The topic of their research project was 'Carbon Capture'. The competition was held in two stages - the preliminary round that included an online submission of a 500-800 word abstract, and the final round, which was a virtual presentation of the research project, followed by a question-and-answer session. Team DPS-Modern Indian School was one among the five teams qualified from the set of over 300 teams in various categories, as informed by the organisers.    

Rajagiri Public School has won at the Young Innovator Award for the second consecutive year. Anna Jerry (Grade 10) and Janisa Malaviya (Grade 9) were the achievers at the national level competition organised by Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (Qeeri). Their project was titled ‘Sky Well’ under the topic ‘Old problems-new solutions: The next big thing in the Energy-water, environment nexus’. It is aimed at solving the problem of fresh water shortage in Qatar by enhancing ground water recharge using the water in the atmosphere. Jerry, the team leader said that she got the inspiration from Abdul Kareem -- a Gulf-returnee in the southern Indian state of Kerala creating a 32-acre man made forest in the barren-rocky land in his village in Kasaragod. Jerry’s team had won the first position in last year’s competition also in the senior category-1. She said that the Innovator Award organised by Qeeri under Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a unique platform to showcase the innovative ideas of the young mind.    

 To make students aware about the importance of community helpers in the society, Pak Shamaa School (PSS) organised an activity for the students of Grade 3 international stream under the supervision of Haseena Sharif. Students were dressed up as characters which included soldier, doctor, nurse, teacher, pilot, painter, farmer, chef and postman. Principal Nabila Kaukab visited along with the wing co-ordinators and appreciated the efforts of staff members Faiza Aleem, Nobia, Shawal, Aisha Anwar, Rabiya Ali, Mehwish Shabbir, Ghazala and Sara Robbison, and the students.    

Bangladesh MHM School & College, Doha, held the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination, 2021, abiding by the Covid-19 protocols. Since the exam could not be held as per schedule due to the pandemic, the government decided to hold the same with a shortened syllabus. This year, the total number of candidates in the school is 68, comprising 45 in Science Group and 23 in Business Studies Group. Under the direct supervision of Bangladesh ambassador Mohamed Jashim Uddin, embassy counsellor Mobassera Kadery is acting as the centre in charge of the HSC examination. School vice principal Mohamed Zulfiker Azad is acting as the centre secretary and A T M Asaduzzaman (assistant professor of Biology) the hall superintendent assisted by Mohamed Abu Shama (lecturer in Bengali). The ambassador visited the examination centre and expressed his satisfaction at the arrangement for the examination. Kadery and school director retired Lt Cdr Mohamed Anwar Khurshid accompanied him.    

Nine debaters of DPS Modern Indian School won acclaim in the Qatar Preparatory Schools Debate League I (QPSDL I) conducted by Qatar Debate last month via Zoom platform. The tournament was marked as the biggest preparatory school debate league as 68 debate teams with more than 200 debaters from 35 established institutions participated in it. Team Anushka Alurkar, Disha Patel, Jonah Kirupakaran were sixth, followed by Team Vyusti Singh, Ishita Gholash, Gargee Kanade in the 18th and Team Abhinaya Kannan, Aamina Abedi Tanisha Paul in the 20th position. In the individual category, Jonah Kirupakaran was fourth, Disha Patel 40th, Abhinaya Kannan 55th, and Ishita Gholash, Gargee Kanade, Vyusti Singh, Anushka Alurkar 70th, and Tanisha Paul and Aamina Abedi in the 89th positions. The participants were accompanied by their mentors Sandhya Gopalakrishnan and Jaya Majumder.    

Noble International school is organising a prediction contest for students and staff in connection with the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup 2021. The winners are selected on a daily basis. Principal Shibu Abdul Rasheed inaugurated the event.    

MES Indian School Abu Hamour Branch held its first science and math exhibition, 'Experimental 2021' recently. The aim was to promote interest in the fields of science, mathematics and technology among the learners. The event was held in the multi-purpose hall with exhibits from students of all grades. The inaugural function was at MESIS FM Radio Station. MESIS vice president Khaleel A P and cultural activities director M C Mohamed were the chief guests. Principal Dr Mohamed Haneef presided. The event was compered by Ridhwan Jasheem (III-A) and Sabiha Ahmed (VII-D). Liya Saad (III A) proposed a vote of thanks. The highlights of the exhibition included an incubator prepared by Lakshmi Priya, a remote controlled car named ‘Crawller’ by Jax Jerin, a working model on geometrical shapes and multiplication tables prepared by Ananda Krishanan, a tangram by Navneet, and a working model of Pythagoras theorem by Hridhya and Sruthi. Experimental 2021 was co-ordinated by teachers Fathimath Shabna, Sherbina and Shahanas in association with all the other teachers. The event was supervised by academic co-ordinator Ashokan and school mentor Rashmi Jain.    

Ideal Indian School conducted a countdown gala in support of the one-year countdown to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In a spectacular ceremony held recently, principal Syed Shoukath Ali inaugurated a countdown board. Balloons were released and a football match for boys and penalty shootout for girls held on the occasion.    

Birla Public School celebrated the Constitution Day of India to recognise and honour the efforts of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar (who is also known as the father of the Indian Constitution). On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect from January 26, 1950. Constitution Day is celebrated to promote Constitution values among citizens. The celebration began with the National Anthem of Qatar and India. It was followed by short documentaries highlighting the making of the Constitution and the Unity in Diversity song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”. Academic director-principal Harish Sanduja and vice-principal (co-scholastic) Rajesh Pillai spoke. Earlier in the day, the Preamble was read over the public address system by Shaymanti Bhowmik of Class 12. Students of Primary section (Grade 1 to 5) participated in a fancy dress competition. They dressed up as famous Indian personalities or freedom fighters, and spoke a few lines about the same. An elocution competition was also conducted in the primary classes. The Middle school (Grade 6 to 8) created collages. The programme was organised by a team comprising Neha Elsa Thomas (head girl), Anoushka Karkera (cultural secretary), Shaymanti (vice head girl), Reeva, Kshitij, Kevin, Leo Abraham, Bhagath Krishna and Parisa. They were supported by the Social Science Department, led by head Rekha George, and co-ordinated by Rakesh Verma and Dr Mohamed Madapalli.

Bangladeshi Academic Community in Qatar (BACQ) under the patronage of Bangladesh embassy in Doha organised an ‘Academic Excellence Award Ceremony’ recently. Five distinguished faculty were presented with crests for their academic excellence. They are Dr Khaled Khan, Dr Anwarul Hasan, Dr Shahriar Saadullah and Dr Mizanur Rahman from Qatar University, and Dr Rubayet Hasan from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Bangladesh Community Qatar (BCQ) was presented with a crest for engagements contributing to the betterment of the community in Qatar and Bangladesh Forum Qatar (BFQ) for its active role in promoting business and investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The academics and BCQ president engineer Anwar Hossain Akon and BFQ president Mohamed Shafiqul Islam received the crests from Bangladesh ambassador Mohamed Jashim Uddin. The envoy thanked the Bangladeshi diaspora in Qatar for their contributions. Other speakers at the ceremony highlighted the potential areas of collaboration between educational institutions in Bangladesh and Qatar. They also underlined the role of Bangladeshi diaspora in enhancing people-to-people contact. Around 100 members of the Bangladeshi academic community in Qatar attended the event.

Scholar and crossword creator, visiting professor at QF partner Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Dr. Leonard Williams, offers a unique way to explore key concepts in political science with the publication of his latest book of puzzles, titled Black Blocks, White Squares: Crosswords with an Anarchist Edge (AK Press, 2021). Offering fifty-one themed crossword puzzles in one bound collection, his book features the history, philosophy, and rise of anarchism, a political ideology that began in 19th century France, and which continues to impact world events today. “People often associate the word with the literal definition, meaning chaos, disorder, and lawlessness. But as I teach in my political science courses, anarchism is an ideological tradition with deep historical roots, one that emphasizes social cooperation and community-based leadership and care,” he said. But puzzle solvers won’t need a Georgetown degree to enjoy the book. Dr. Williams has included the solutions and “Constructor’s Notes” that explain the ideas behind each puzzle. The evolution of the crossword puzzle from a simple grid of squares and word definition clues to a complex and educational art form enjoyed through clubs, conventions, and online communities, is why the hobby that began in his youth has endured, explained Dr. Williams. His puzzles have been published by such publications as the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and GAMES Magazine. “Crosswords have become more relevant over time, using contemporary language, references, and poetic wordplay. So combining my academic interests in political ideology with my interest in crossword puzzles for my latest publication was a natural fit,” he said. Widely published for his scholarly work, Dr. Williams said his themes and clues are often inspired by his research, bits of conversation, or items in the news. “When a word or idea captures my imagination, I make a note of it so I can come back to it to see whether a puzzle can be constructed out of it.” Through his crosswords, Dr. Williams offers a fascinating study of human society through a medium that also teaches verbal fluency, enhances learning, and encourages community engagement, while welcoming a new audience to the study of international affairs. Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University and joined GU-Q from Manchester University in Indiana, U.S., where he held the positions of Dean Emeritus of the College of Education & Social Sciences and Professor Emeritus of Political Science. His most recent publications include the co-edited Anarchism: A Conceptual Approach (Routledge), and Political Theory: Classic and Contemporary Readings, 2nd edition (Oxford University Press).

 Qatar Urangattiri Pravasi Association (QUPA), a Kerala expatriate forum, elected new office-bearers for 2021-2022. Rafeeq Aboobacker Moorkanad is the new president, Nithin Domi Panambilav general secretary and Faisal Ibrahim Thekkumuri treasurer. The other officials are Abdul Nasar (Alnas) and Sudheer Thekkummuri - vice presidents; Uvais Vadakkumuri and Ahmed Niyas Moorkanad - secretaries; Yunus Akkaraparamb and Basheer Pariyarath - advisory members; Anees Babu Edakkattuparamb, Amjad Khan Kallarattikkal, Shoukathali Palathupara, Yunus Moorkanad, Anil Thorakamb, Shameem Kinaradappan, Sulaiman Therattamnmal, and Shafin Moorkanad - executive members.    

An online orientation class for adolescent students on mobile phone misuses, cybercrimes and its solutions, organised by Noble International School, was led by renowned Indian Police Service officer Rishiraj Singh. The former director general of police (prison and correction) of the southern state of Kerala, discussed various forms of mobile addiction from mild games and cartoons to criminal and lethal software with high school and higher secondary school students. Singh also presented remedial measures against mobile addiction.    

The Qatari Authors Café at Qatar University (QU) recently held a weekly episode under the title 'Historical Glimpses of Culture and Arts in Qatar'. The event was organised by the Department of Culture and Arts in the Student Activities Department in co-operation with the Qatar Authors Forum. Well known artist Dr Saad Burshid spoke on the early days of Qatari culture, which he said dates back to the era of the founder, and is an extension of the ancient Arab-Islamic culture. "The Qatari people are closely linked to their Arab-Islamic culture, and it is a conservative society. Therefore, culture in Qatar was limited to the arts of poetry and rhetoric. The founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad al-Thani, was a poet, storyteller and judge who collected all the cultural arts during his reign. Thus, his poetry has often been cited in Qatar during its modern history and until today. “There are purely Qatari arts, such as the art of Al-Ardah, which is one of the ancient and inherited folk arts, and the art of Al-Muradah. There are other arts that have been associated with certain environments, such as “Al-Nahma”, where the nahma was associated with the sea. It is one of the folk arts associated with pearl fishing bearings to ease the difficulties of sailors and enable them, by repeating it, to carry the heavy weight of the bearings. The bearings are carried by 20 men chanting a single musical sound and helps them bear the weight.” Dr Burshid spoke about the emergence of schools in Qatar since the beginning of the 20th century through the establishment of a religious school by the ruler of Qatar. Later, the Qatar Primary School Al-Hamdiya was founded by the founder’s grandson, but the educational stage did not start until the fifties, when an active educational movement emerged after Qatar opened up to its Arab surroundings, and cultural and sports clubs appeared with Arab names linked to the Arab liberation movement and the national tide, such as: Al-Uruba Club, Al-Wahda Club, and Al-Tahrir. There was a strong desire among Qatari youth to gain more knowledge on Arab culture and education and not focus on sports clubs only. "The educational and cultural activities in Qatar during the sixties and seventies culminated in great and unlimited support after the independence of Qatar, which we witness today as Qatar has become a cultural and sports beacon at the global level." Professor Abdullah Hamed al-Mulla, director of Student Activities, said: “We at Qatar University are pleased with this distinguished co-operation with the Qatar Authors Forum, which resulted in the establishment of the 'Authors Café' cultural platform. It represents a great opportunity for our students and the university community in general to learn about various ideas and opinions, and have constructive dialogue in matters of culture, thought, literature and the arts of all kinds."