From an eclectic range of spirited traditional dance and music performances from students, teachers, parents, and artistes, to a scrumptious variety of cuisines and cultures that pleased both the stomach and the heart, the International School of London-Qatar’s (ISL-Q) multi-hued annual International Family Food Fair held on Saturday afternoon was a screaming success.
Abuzz with a delightful mix of tastes, sights, sounds, and smells from across the world, the Fair, as with its previous editions, drew its zing and energy from the cross-cultural camaraderie of its diverse participants and audience. With people from around 80 nationalities pitching in at the proceedings meant authentic delicacies from all over – Egypt, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Vietnam, Colombia, India, Canada, Palestine, you name it – and a food area thronged by hundreds.
While we all know how the simple act of sharing cuisine and culture is at the heart of great traditions, the well-attended Fair once again demonstrated this truth through both its spirit and activities. The wafts of flavours, and the bursts of tastes, colours and sounds at the annual Fair were wholesomely vibrant, larger than ever and thoroughly enjoyed by more than 800 members of the school community. 
The school premises saw the 80 different nationalities represented in it coming together for a grand celebration of identity and diversity. “Diversity, passion, understanding and identity are pillars of the International Baccalaureate philosophy and are exemplified in ISL-Q school events like the International Family Food Fair,” an ISL-Q official said. “The more we are different, the more we find we are the same.”
After indulging in the choicest of culinary delicacies from all over the world, children played games, enjoyed henna and face painting, and enjoyed activities prepared by the ISL-Q student body; Cool de Sac, and the Sante Fe bouncy castle and maze team. Guests were treated to sparkling performances by Indian, Syrian, Irish, Lebanese and Palestinian dancers, and also modern dance, poetry and piano. Some of the highlights of the afternoon featured performances by Irish dancers, Lebanese dabkeh, Japanese martial arts, and Kleio and Berin Greek and Turkish dances.
The culmination of the day’s charity effort, which raises funds for ‘Sponsor a Child’ related activities, was a Prize Draw featuring over 40 prizes from a generous Doha community. Prizes included trips to Dubai, a diamond ring, 5 star hotel stays and restaurant vouchers, beauty treatments, Kidzmondo tickets, and much more. The events of the day raised in excess of QR30,000 and the Prize Draw winners and ticket numbers are shared on the ISL-Q Facebook page.
Among other activities that are part of ISL-Q’s busy calendar, as part of the creative English curriculum for Grade 7, last month, students were given the opportunity to create, design and advertise their own product. Beyond expectations, students showed talent, imagination and innovation in their presentation of concepts. From Virtual Reality Goggles to “Converse” homes for pets, there was no shortage of excitement and wondrous invention. A number of students presented their ideas to Grade 7, eliciting admiration and awe from their peers. Testament to their initiative, dedication and confidence; entrepreneurship was brought to the fore in a fascinating way.
ISL-Q has a stellar reputation for high academic standards, prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes and an impressive record of admission to the best universities worldwide. The student body of 1,000 are aged from 3 to 18. The founding school of the ISL Schools Group is the International School of London which opened in 1972. The Group has now also opened schools in Surrey, UK and Doha, Qatar. 
“Our award winning co-educational schools provide an education that focuses on developing critical thinking skills and learning through experience to prepare young people for a modern world,” says ISL-Q on its website. “ISL Qatar is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorised to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma Programmes. The school provides a rigorous inquiry-based and integrated curriculum, which promotes the values of international mindedness and multicultural understanding. The cornerstones of ISL Qatar learning are: our IB programmes; our inspirational culturally diverse staff; our unique languages course; our global citizenship programme; a caring and friendly atmosphere, a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a stunning campus.”

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