Students from Qatar Academy Doha (QAD) have given bags, pens and school supplies to Afghan refugee children in Doha to support and help them overcome challenges.
The Grade 5 students at the school, which is part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, have described the experience of making a contribution to humanity, which also included writing personal letters to the Afghan children - as bringing “beautiful” emotions.
“When we have a lot, we must share it with others and give them what they need, in order to bring some joy to their lives and alleviate their pain, especially for children,” said Mohamed bin Jassim al-Thani, an 11-year-old student at QAD.
"I have always believed in the value of giving and its importance in enhancing our human feelings; now we have an opportunity to achieve this, by donating and helping children who do not have much due to events beyond their control, and to always be by their side to support them in these trying times.”
"I tried to put myself in their shoes and understand how they feel, and I imagined that I would be delighted if someone gave me such a present," QAD student Najla Boussoufa said about the campaign to give bags full of souvenirs and toys to youngsters in an effort to bring some light to their lives.
"Everything we give to the world comes back to us in some manner, and I am grateful to be able to donate and contribute to bring some relief to the refugees' who are suffering. We hope they will be happy when receiving these presents, as they depart Qatar for their new homes."
Among the letters of hope, support, and solidarity to Afghan refugee children, who have been forced to leave their homeland, was one from Boussoufa, who wrote: “I hope you have had a comfortable stay in Qatar so far, and I hope that you settle down and find a home that makes you feel happy and safe. Always remember, happiness comes from within us, if you have happy thoughts you will always be a happy person.”
Hanifa Azizur Rahman, a Grade 5 teacher at QAD, said: “When our students heard about the situation in Afghanistan, there was a lot of discussion in the class about it. They are aware of what is happening around the world, and so the situation of Afghan refugees inspired them to give."
“As much as the students learned from this initiative, we learned from them, and we realised that they should be listened to. They are responsible and empathetic to the situation around them, but we just need to give them the opportunity and they will act,” added Rahman.
“When we have a lot, we must share it with others and give them what they need, in order to bring some joy to their lives and alleviate their pain, especially for children,” said Mohamed bin Jassim al-Thani, an 11-year-old student at QAD.
"I have always believed in the value of giving and its importance in enhancing our human feelings; now we have an opportunity to achieve this, by donating and helping children who do not have much due to events beyond their control, and to always be by their side to support them in these trying times.”
"I tried to put myself in their shoes and understand how they feel, and I imagined that I would be delighted if someone gave me such a present," QAD student Najla Boussoufa said about the campaign to give bags full of souvenirs and toys to youngsters in an effort to bring some light to their lives.
"Everything we give to the world comes back to us in some manner, and I am grateful to be able to donate and contribute to bring some relief to the refugees' who are suffering. We hope they will be happy when receiving these presents, as they depart Qatar for their new homes."
Among the letters of hope, support, and solidarity to Afghan refugee children, who have been forced to leave their homeland, was one from Boussoufa, who wrote: “I hope you have had a comfortable stay in Qatar so far, and I hope that you settle down and find a home that makes you feel happy and safe. Always remember, happiness comes from within us, if you have happy thoughts you will always be a happy person.”
Hanifa Azizur Rahman, a Grade 5 teacher at QAD, said: “When our students heard about the situation in Afghanistan, there was a lot of discussion in the class about it. They are aware of what is happening around the world, and so the situation of Afghan refugees inspired them to give."
“As much as the students learned from this initiative, we learned from them, and we realised that they should be listened to. They are responsible and empathetic to the situation around them, but we just need to give them the opportunity and they will act,” added Rahman.