To enhance the understanding of Qatar’s rich history and its commendable growth, the American School of Doha (ASD) has been honouring a most welcoming tradition – its annual Qatar History Day celebration.
The school’s sixth graders recently celebrated their fifth annual Qatar History Day with a specific focus on the dynamic changes the country has experienced in the past 20 to 30 years. This week-long event organised by sixth grade Social Studies teachers, Mike Simmons and Andrew Dodd, as well as Middle School Librarian, Lauren Elliott, has become a mainstay at the ASD.
The opening ceremony saw falconer Farhan al-Sayeed share his knowledge of falconry and its deep-rooted connections to Qatari culture. Professional oud player Abdulaziz al-Haidos also attended and performed traditional songs.
Students gathered in small groups and interviewed over 35 local citizens and residents to collect oral histories. Middle School Principal Rob Gohr said, “I was able to listen in as one of our speakers described what it was like growing up in a time when there were no shopping centres.  She described what the Souq used to look like and how the community worked together for the benefit of all.”
Stories were told about a garden as big as a football field, when there was only one hotel, and about the city of Doha with no streetlights. Also, about times when wells were the primary water source and pearl diving was the main economic force.
ASD Director Dr Thomas Hawkins said, “Qatar History Day is a wonderful chance for American School of Doha students to engage with great Qatari storytellers to learn about the heritage, traditions, customs and lifestyle of Qatar. The Qatari students are proud to have their parents and grandparents attend to tell their stories, while guests from outside the ASD community are delighted to come back each year to tell more stories to more of the ASD students.”
One of the highlights of the event had the sixth grade students visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani Museum, dressed in traditional Qatari attire. This visit enabled the students to gather pictures of artefacts related to the oral histories shared the previous day.
The museum contains more than 18,000 artefacts ranging from bicycles built in the 1880s and a Ford Model T, to pearl diving equipment, full-sized dhows, centuries-old weapons, and rare fossils. A favourite of the students was a replica of a Qatari house with many of  Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani’s personal items on display.
During the trip, students met  Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani himself. He answered questions, revealed the origins of the museum and even gave a tour of some of his private collections, as the students jotted down notes.
Sixth grade Social Studies teacher Andrew Dodd said, “Qatar History Day provides our students the opportunity to examine the history of Qatar in a way they have not experienced before. Oral history has a proud tradition in this part of the world and for our kids to embrace this first-hand was tremendous.”
Dr Hawkins added, “Qatar History Day brings the history of Qatar to life, and presents yet another chance for the ASD community to grow ever stronger.”
Earlier this year, the 18th edition of the ASD’s Friendship Festival was celebrated with great energy and participation. It was not just a family fun day done exceedingly well; it was the culmination of collective celebration for kids, parents, teachers and the community at large. Every year, more than 4,000 people visit the festival in the five hours — 12pm to 5pm — it lasts. 
This year, too, every corridor, hall and cafeteria space of the school throbbed with the young energy of children and their excited parents, as several others seemed happy shooting the breeze in the lush lawn, indulging in outdoor fun and games. An open welcome to the community, the much-awaited festival is aimed at promoting community spirit, friendship, and co-operation amongst students, school staff, parents, local business owners, and visitors.