Injaz volunteers and supporters at an appreciation luncheon
Injaz Qatar, a non-profit organisation and affiliate of Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide, hosted its fourth annual appreciation luncheon on May 5 in recognition of the growing number of corporate and education partners which support the organisation.
The luncheon, which brings together private sector partners and independent school representatives, is organised to provide special recognition to the many volunteers who are central to Injaz’s growing success.
In addition to volunteers, the event was attended by partner school administrators and teachers, partners companies and the board of directors.
“Today we celebrate our ever-growing community in Qatar.  Now in our fifth year of operation, we realise our growing success would not have been possible without the companies which support us, the volunteers who share our vision for Qatar’s future, and the school administrators who believe in us. Our annual event is in honour of all the different people and organisations that help us deliver our promise to Qatar,” said Injaz Chairwoman, Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani.
Injaz Qatar kicked off the year by becoming fully registered in January.  The academic year 2010-2011 has seen 10 new companies partner with the NGO bringing the total number of partnering companies to 27. This growth allows for Injaz Qatar to reach out to and deliver its courses to more schools and students reaching over 5,000 students across 17 independent schools since 2007.
Aysha al-Mudehki, Injaz Qatar Executive Director said: “Volunteers are at the heart of all of Injaz’s activities. The time they dedicate to teach the Injaz courses is what brings the hard work of everyone involved to life. Before being appointed Executive Director, I had started working with Injaz as a volunteer.  It’s very exciting to see other volunteers find our programmes so rewarding that they continue working with us year after year.”
The event made particular mention of second and third-timer volunteers who have continued to deliver Injaz’s programmes over the years.  They comprise 37% of Injaz’s total volunteer base.
Besides the tremendous support provided by companies on its board of directors, a special thanks was also made for other partner companies that provide Injaz with corporate volunteers and sponsor specific projects such as: Boeing, Barwa, QDB, PWC, Badri and Salim Meouchy Law firm, Maersk Oil, Schlumberger, Zurich Bank, QNB Capital and BMI.