Qatar Foundation International (QFI) has invited students from Doha and Chicago, Illinois, on an environmental-themed exchange programme that examines critical water issued affecting the world. The students were led by Potomac Riverkeeper on a riverside clean-up at Georgetown Waterfront on Saturday while they learnt from Potomac Riverkeeper staff about existing water pollution and their efforts to protect and improve water quality. In October last year, students from Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago had participated in QFI’s Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science exchange trip to Doha in partnership with Blue Legacy. Together with their Qatari peers, the students explored water stories ranging from desalinisation plants and water research laboratories to local islands, coastal areas and mangrove lagoons. They heard from Alexandra Cousteau and joined Blue Legacy to examine the scientific, engineering and ecological aspects of local critical water issues in addition to working with traditional artists and exploring cultural heritage sites. Throughout the entire experience, the students collaborated on short multimedia shows to chronicle their experiences. In the months since the initial exchange, the students have used QFI’s online ‘Yallah’ social media forum and WeVideo cloud-based, online editing software to work collaboratively on more comprehensive films about water in their communities and how water connects cultures. During this week event, the students will also talk about their experiences and present their films during the Environmental Film Festival in Doha and during World Water Day in New York City.