In partnership with Sheikh Thani bin Abdulla Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF), Qtel is supporting a major awareness and education campaign to help people with unmanageable debts in Qatar. The national campaign, “Debt is Disgraceful,” is designed to serve the local community, with priority for services to be given to Qatari families. Qtel is providing a donation of QR1mn to support the launch of the campaign.In addition to helping debtors pay back their debts, the campaign aims to provide support for debtors’ families, and to caution people about the perils of taking out unnecessary loans.The two-part campaign, with the first phase occurring from August 1 to October 1, focuses on raising awareness throughout Qatar of a “consumption culture” that leads to debt.In the second phase of the campaign, from October 2 to December 31, organisers will collect funds to be used to pay the debts of prisoners and individuals who are threatened with criminal charges or imprisonment due to debt.The team will be conducting surveys and studies to determine how best to assist people who fit into one of three categories. Priority will be given to 22 people already in jail because of their debts, while RAF co-ordinates with attorneys to help people who already have court orders to pay their debts. Meetings with businesses and families will help RAF identify and assist people who have not yet reached the court system, but owe money. RAF general manager Yahyan al-Naimy said that many youth are pressured into debt by their consumer lifestyle. Other “Debt is Disgraceful” partners include the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Supreme Judicial Council and Al Sharq newspaper.Adel al-Mutawa, executive director, Group Communications, Qtel, presented the company’s cheque for QR1mn to RAF officials, adding to a total QR2.5mn so far.Those wishing to donate to this fund can send SMS to 92187 to donate QR50, 92186 to donate QR75 and 92188 to donate QR100.