tag

In a vibrant display of creativity and community spirit, Education Above All Foundation, a global foundation for education and development, in partnership with Place Vendôme Qatar, brought together hundreds of children, families, educators, and mallgoers for the “Duck Release” activation, held at the iconic fountain area of Place Vendôme. The initiative forms a central part of EAA’s 2025 “Back to School” campaign, aimed at raising funds and awareness to support children out of school globally.The event welcomed enthusiastic participation from students and staff from Assalam Schools, Qatar Academy Sidra, Doha International School, and the Jordanian school. Families enjoyed a day filled with entertainment, meals, and educational engagement, while also contributing to a meaningful cause, supporting vulnerable children with access to inclusive, high-quality education.**media[361145]**At the heart of the activation was a symbolic gesture, thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks, each representing a donation of 25 QAR, were released into the water as a sign of solidarity with children who face barriers to education. Each duck released contributes directly to funding school supplies, scholarships, and classroom rehabilitation in underserved communities around the world.“This activation is more than just a playful installation, it’s a powerful symbol of hope and opportunity. Each duck in the fountain represents a child whose future can be transformed through access to education,”said Taj Sulaiman, Director of Communication and Private Sector Partnerships at EAA Foundation. “Through creative partnerships like this one with Place Vendôme Qatar, we’re engaging the public to take part in real, transformative change.”This unique event is part of a longstanding collaboration between EAA Foundation and Place Vendôme, under a broader corporate social responsibility agreement. Previous joint efforts include the “Eid Gift 2025” campaign, which collected over 74,000 new items for children in Gaza and Syria during Ramadan.Building on this success, EAA Foundation and Place Vendôme will sign a new agreement under which the Place Vendôme will continue to support EAA’s fundraising activities, including the annual “Back to School” campaign, Ramadan initiatives, and other EAA programmes. This expanded collaboration aims to generate both funds and public awareness for EAA’s local and international projects, reinforcing the shared commitment to ensuring that children out of school globally can access education and hope for a brighter future.“At Place Vendôme, our vision is to go beyond retail, to create experiences that connect and uplift communities,” said Mr Sanjay Mehta, Group Marketing Director at United Developers, owners of Place Vendôme. “The Duck Release activation is a beautiful examSanjay Mehta, Group Marketing Director at United Developers, owners of Place Vendômeple of that purpose in action. By transforming our public space into a platform for giving, we empower every visitor to make a tangible impact.”As part of the day's activities, school groups were given exclusive access to the fountain area, alongside engaging entertainment and educational components that promoted awareness around the right to education and the challenges many children face globally.**media[361143]**This activation is one of many under EAA’s 2025 “Back to School” campaign, which runs from 15 August to 31 December 2025. The campaign includes fundraising initiatives with EAA partners in Qatar, covering everything from digital donations and charity sports activities to school-led exhibitions and public festivalsThrough activations like the “Duck Release,” the campaign aims to send over 1,000 children back to school and reinforce the message that every child deserves a chance to learn, no matter their circumstances.To date, Education Above All Foundation has reached millions of beneficiaries across 75 countries, working tirelessly to protect and promote the right to education worldwide.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

Loyola International School (LIS) hosted its annual exhibition, Reflections - STEAM 2025, across its Al-Nasr and Oasis campuses, showcasing innovation, creativity, and the power of hands-on learning.The two-day event brought together students, parents, and educators in an inspiring celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).At Al-Nasr campus on September 11, classrooms transformed into galleries where each department - English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Qatar History, Islamic Studies, Moral Science, Languages, Dance, and Art - presented mega projects that highlighted imagination and interdisciplinary excellence.Highlights included the Gizmo Gala, an art exhibition featuring student creations, and a live concert by the school band LIS Hormonix. The event was inaugurated by Srinivas Oruganti, president of Science India Forum, who commended the creativity and dedication of the students. Judges for the day comprised parents and teachers.The following day, Oasis campus hosted its exhibition for students of Grades 6-12. The event was inaugurated by A P Manikantan, president of the Indian Cultural Centre. Exhibits ranged from eco-friendly innovations and scientific models to engineering prototypes and artistic displays, reflecting the depths of student creativity. More than 1,500 exhibits, music band, food counters and book fair were among the highlights. A total of 25 judges, invited to evaluate the exhibits, commended the originality, teamwork, and clarity of explanation demonstrated by the participants.This event was brought together with the support and encouragement of LIS chairman R Venkat Rao and managing director R Anup Chakravarthy. Principal Bhavna Vijaykumar described the event as a celebration of imagination, holistic learning, and student voice.

MES Indian School is all set to embrace the latest development of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to introduce the Open Book Assessment for students.The new method is aimed at encouraging competency-based learning and critical thinking instead of memorisation, thus enabling the students to receive a well-rounded and more comprehensive learning experience.The most important theme of the Open Book Assessment is to assess students based on their capacity to comprehend and apply concepts rather than memorise facts.The students can use their textbooks while administering the test, which promotes deeper learning of the subject matter and develops analytical skills.This and future-oriented education process allows students to build critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and develop an interest in studies more profoundly.“As a leading educational institution in Qatar, we ascertain that learning could be more than memorisation and recollection of facts. Open Book Assessment programme aligns perfectly with our school’s vision of providing a balanced and rewarding learning experience,” remarked principal Dr Hameeda Kadar.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has stressed that with the new academic year, family preparations should not be limited to books and school uniforms, but must also include attention to children’s oral health.Dr Najat Alyafei, manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention, PHCC noted that oral health has a direct impact on a child’s comfort and academic performance, pointing out that even minor issues such as tooth decay or gum inflammation can lead to school absences and negatively affect learning outcomes.She added that the 'Asnani' School Oral Health Programme serves as a national initiative to safeguard the oral health of children in government schools and has been designed to meet the needs of different age groups through two main components. The first is dedicated to kindergarten students, who, according to scheduled plans, are taken to health centres equipped with specialised dental care rooms. During these visits, children engage in interactive activities designed to raise awareness and teach proper oral care habits in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way. They then undergo dental check-ups in designated clinics, where fluoride is applied as a preventive measure against tooth decay.The second component targets primary school students. Nine dental teams visit government schools according to approved schedules, delivering age-appropriate awareness lectures, conducting dental examinations, and applying fluoride treatments. Dr Alyafei emphasised that the implementation of these activities requires parental consent, obtained through forms distributed to students in their schools.She further explained that the role of the Asnani Programme is not limited to student check-ups. The dental teams also deliver the ‘Oral Health Ambassadors’ lecture to school teaching and administrative staff during their visits, aiming to spread awareness and promote healthy practices within the school community. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that adolescents in preparatory and secondary schools continue to maintain regular oral hygiene, visit dental clinics routinely, and avoid delays in seeking treatment. Dr Alyafei noted with concern that programme teams encountered a significant number of students who had never used a toothbrush, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen awareness efforts from an early age.She concluded by reaffirming that early attention to oral health ensures that children enjoy healthy smiles and consistent school attendance, while giving them greater confidence to begin the academic year fully prepared and focused. She called on parents to ensure their children participate in the Asnani Programme by signing the consent forms.

Ideal Indian School (IIS), organised a five-day orientation programme for its teachers, marking the start of the academic year with a renewed focus on professional growth, innovation, and well-being. The refresher course commenced with an address by principal Shaik Shamim Saheb, who oriented the faculty for the academic year 2025–26.Sessions were led by Dr Ambrin Siddiqui, Maninderjit Kaur, and Mohamed Mazher Yahya.The itinerary also included departmental meetings and section-wise meetings.The programme was co-ordinated by Girls' Section headmistress Khatija T C and assistant headmaster (academic affairs) Anwar Sadath.

The governing board of MES Indian School for the term 2025–2027 officially took charge on September 1, ushering the institution into its next phase of growth and service while building on the efforts of the outgoing committee.The members of the new governing board are B M Sidhique (president), Kashif Jaleel (senior vice president), Fasalu P P (vice president), Dr Najeeb K P (general secretary), Aneesh P A (deputy general secretary), Firos Kolathayil (secretary) and Usman A T (treasurer).The directors of various committees are Ahamed Isham, Ansar T K, Ashraf Sharafudheen P T, Badarudheen Gulam Mohiyuddin, Faisal Mayan, Hashim N M, Hazmal Ismail, Najeeb M A, Sajeeb bin Abutty, and Shaheed Alungath. P K Nazeer and Saad Musthafa will serve as directors representing the GCC region committee.“The new committee members are committed to carrying forward the rich legacy of MES Indian School and fostering a culture of academic achievement and personal growth among the students. We aim to foster innovation, inclusivity, and high-quality education through our initiatives,” said Sidhique.The new committee has pledged to promote and upgrade the existing facilities in the forthcoming years with a collective commitment to strengthening the school further by enhancing community engagement and ensuring sustainable growth, a statement added.

Rajagiri Public School (RPS), Doha, hosted the 5th edition of its annual educational conference, Metanoia 2025 – Learning Beyond the Horizon. The two-day event saw educators and thought leaders engage in an exchange of ideas rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the emerging demands of 21st-century education.RPS director and noted consultant psychiatrist Dr Aju Abraham inaugurated the event and stressed on fostering psychological well-being in both children and adults within the educational ecosystem. Ten presentations by RPS faculty showcased innovative teaching strategies and progressive educational paradigms.Gayathri Palla, Microsoft Cloud Architect, Qatar, spoke on Cyber Safety and Security in Educational Spaces. The chief guest at the valedictory function was Bimalendu B Nath, director of MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Qatar Campus. RPS administrative director Jinsu Aju felicitated him.Principal Joshy Abraham congratulated the presenters and thanked the organising team which had vice principal Radhakrishnan as chief co-ordinator.

A black-clad gunman killed two children and wounded 17 other people Wednesday, when he opened fire on students at a Minneapolis Catholic school, authorities said.The assailant, a man in his early 20s, fired dozens of rounds through the church windows and then took his own life, officials said. He was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, they said."This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible," Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara told reporters.The shooting occurred two days after school started at Annunciation Catholic School, a private elementary school with about 395 students connected to a Roman Catholic church in a residential area in the southeast part of Minnesota's largest city.Local TV showed parents ducking under yellow police crime tape and leading students out of the school.Officials said the shooter did not have an extensive criminal history. They did not provide his name and said they were trying to identify a motive.Law enforcement was investigating multiple online videos to determine if they were posted by the shooter, according to two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.Local hospitals said they were treating 15 children and two adults, with many suffering gunshot wounds.School shootings occur on a regular basis in the US, spurring ongoing debates about gun laws and school safety. There have been more than 140 such incidents so far this year, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database."Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church," Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey said at a news conference, visibly angry.US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the shooting and said the FBI was on the scene. "Please join me in praying for everyone involved!" he said on social media.The US department of homeland security is in touch with local authorities and monitoring the situation, Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem said on social media.There have been three other shootings in the midwestern city since Tuesday afternoon, including one at a high school, that have together left three people dead and seven wounded, according to police.Wednesday's shooting did not appear to be related to the others, O'Hara said.Minneapolis has experienced a significant rise in homicides in the years following the 2020 police killing of George Floyd, which prompted nationwide protests, civil disturbances and staffing shortages in the city's police department. The city recorded 54 homicides last year, down from 71 in 2021 but well above the 29 recorded in 2019.In June, Minnesota also experienced an incident of political violence, when a gunman posing as a police officer allegedly assassinated a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband in their home, and wounded another lawmaker and his wife.The suspect was arrested after a massive two-day manhunt and faces state and federal murder charges.Minnesota state law requires background checks for all gun sales and the state as a whole has a gun death rate below the national average, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention group.

As the new 2025/2026 academic year approaches, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the completion of all school zone safety measures around 669 schools across Qatar and development of 53 existing schools, including upgrading fire protection systems. Such plans, Ashghal said in a statement, aim at protecting students and ensuring the safety of road users during school drop-off and pick-up times, along with ensuring the highest standards of safety and security towards enhancing the efficiency of educational facilities.This is done in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Ashghal also plans to improve 140 schools within a comprehensive plan that includes developing fire protection systems, enhancing educational, recreational, and sports facilities to help provide a safe educational environment that supports the learning process. The plan also covers the reconstruction of seven existing schools to meet the latest global standards and specifications in design and equipment. Project Engineer Dana Saeed Al-Saiari from the Building Projects Department explained that the Ashghal, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, has carried out a wide range of development and improvement works in 53 existing schools. These included upgrading fire protection systems in line with the highest international standards, as well as introducing advanced technical and operational enhancements that improve the efficiency of the buildings and the overall quality of the learning environment. On the other side, Eng. Abdullah Al Maraghi, Road Safety Engineer, said that the school zone safety strategies cover the road networks surrounding 673 schools in various areas, as part of the School Zone Safety Programme, since the start of the programme in 2013 until now, which is being implemented in coordination with all relevant authorities. In this context, Ashghal has also undertaken comprehensive preparations over the past months to enhance road infrastructure and implement safety measures to facilitate traffic flow. These technical and essential improvements represent an important step towards providing a safe and sustainable school environment for all community members in the new academic year. The improvements include the installation or upgrading of clear and prominent traffic signs, as well as the inspection, maintenance and installation of speed bumps and pedestrian crossings to alert drivers to slow down at school entrances and exits. These enhanced measures aim to improve pedestrian visibility in areas surrounding schools, while enforcing the minimum speed limit of 30 km/h. In addition, further road safety measures have been adopted to regulate traffic flow during peak times at school entrances during drop-off and pick-up hours. Moreover, road markings, such as pedestrian crossings and stop lines, are being repainted to ensure maximum clarity for road users. In addition to expanding and repaving sidewalks adjacent to schools to provide safer pedestrian pathways capable of accommodating larger numbers.

Mowasalat (Karwa) participated in the annual “Back to School” event by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE).The two-day event at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) concluded Tuesday.Karwa hosted a dedicated booth that welcomed hundreds of students and families. The booth featured interactive games, puzzles and a Virtual Reality (VR) experience simulating school bus rides.Beyond the event, Karwa reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting the MoEHE with safe and reliable school transport services.For the new academic year, nearly 2,500 modern school buses are ready to operate daily, ensuring thousands of students reach their schools and return home safely and on time.Each school bus is equipped with advanced safety features such as GPS tracking systems, CCTV cameras, emergency communication tools, and safety alarms – all designed to provide parents and schools with peace of mind.Karwa also places strong emphasis on professional training for its drivers and bus attendants, who undergo various programmes covering safe driving techniques, child safeguarding, emergency preparedness, and first aid.This ensures that every journey is carried out with the highest standards of care, safety and professionalism.Mass Transit executive director Ahmed al-Binali said the “Back to School” event was a wonderful opportunity to engage directly with students and families, reminding them that “their safety and comfort are at the heart of everything we do”.“As we begin this academic year, Mowasalat remains fully committed to supporting the ministry in providing a safe, reliable, and enjoyable school transport experience for Qatar’s young learners,” he added.

Rawabi Hypermarket has officially launched its Back-to-School promotion, offering exclusive discounts on essential school supplies.The event was inaugurated by Kannu Baker, group general manager of Al Rawabi Group of Companies along with other officials.As part of this initiative, Rawabi Hypermarket has introduced interactive IQ questions and fun activities in its Back-to-School promotion booklet. These additions aim to encourage children’s curiosity, enhance problem-solving skills, and make learning an enjoyable experience, even outside the classroom, a statement explained.The Back-to-School promotion features 'unbeatable deals' on stationery, notebooks, backpacks, uniforms, and more. Speaking at the launch, Baker, said: "At Rawabi Hypermarket, we believe in supporting the development of the next generation. This year, we’ve taken extra steps to ensure that our Back-to-School campaign not only helps families save but also brings joy and inspires students through engaging activities. It’s about creating meaningful experiences for our customers beyond the traditional shopping trip."The promotion will run across all Rawabi Hypermarket outlets in Qatar until September 5, the statement added.

Qatar Rail has announced the extension of the daily timings for the second edition of the "Back to School" event, organised in collaboration with several commercial partners at the Sport City Station. The extension comes in response to the remarkable public turnout and engagement since the event kicked off on August 19, Qatar Rail said in a press release on Monday.Under the new schedule, the daily activities of the "Back to School 2025" event will run from 4pm to 9pm throughout the week. Previously, the timings were from 4pm to 8pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 4pm to 9pm (weekends).The event, running until September 2, 2025, is part of "The Metro Events" series, held throughout the year at metro stations. The initiative is aligned with the company's strategy to transform metro stations into vibrant community destinations.Sales Manager at Qatar Rail Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaidah said: "We are delighted with the strong public turnout with the second edition of the Back-to-School event and the positive feedback we've received since its launch, as we witnessed growing interest in the early-bird bookings for the 365-Day metropass. The launch of this new product directly responds to requests and suggestions from our valued customers, as we always prioritize their needs. We remain committed to continually developing innovative products and services that make travelling on the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram easier, more flexible, and of the best value."In collaboration with several partners, the event provides exclusive promotions and competitive prices on school supplies, alongside a variety of free entertainment activities for children and families.