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The American School of Doha (ASD) recently hosted the Global Art Teachers Exchange (GATE), an international conference that brings together visual arts educators from around the world to collaborate, learn, and celebrate creativity. Established in 2018, the GATE provides relevant, practical, and affordable professional development designed specifically for visual arts teachers. Each year, a different international school hosts this independently organised and funded event, with the goal of fostering collaboration and the exchange of innovative teaching practices. This year, the ASD welcomed 65 art educators from more than 25 countries, for a weekend of immersive workshops, presentations, and cultural excursions. The programme is aimed at inspiring new ideas and strengthening global connections in arts education. “After a year of preparation, from proposal to selection among top international schools, we were thrilled to open our doors to art educators from across the globe,” said ASD visual arts teacher and GATE team lead Klara Hermanek. “Our Visual Arts team is passionate about creating an environment where creativity, expertise, and collaboration thrive,” she said. “Hosting the GATE was a chance to share the love of art teaching with colleagues worldwide.” Spearheaded by Inge Winters, Joni Muller, Carla Otero, Wendy Zarter, Klara Hermanek, Ryan Pace, Liz Estudillo, and John Venditti, the ASD Visual Arts Department led the event, showcasing the school’s dedication to artistic excellence and global engagement. At the heart of the GATE is its participatory model: attendees lead workshops, facilitate discussions, and share classroom-ready resources. Sessions ranged from early childhood to high school art education, emphasising hands-on, practical approaches directly applicable to the classroom. The conference concluded with a strong sense of community and renewed enthusiasm for teaching the visual arts, underscoring the universal power of art to connect people across cultures and inspire lifelong learning, a statement added.

The Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, announced Sunday the launch of the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons (2025–2026 and 2026–2027). This pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind in the Middle East. The announcement came during a press conference Sunday, attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; Mohamed Saad al-Mughaseeb, Director General of the Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; Saadon Sabah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the Organising Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027; and Abdulrahman al-Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program; alongside senior officials and representatives from the Organising Committee, the Qatar School Sports Association, and local media. As part of the School Olympic Program, the tournament is being organised under the supervision of FIBA in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation. It will mirror the competitive format of the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, offering a unique school-level simulation of one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles. In a remarkable prelude to the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the Mini Basketball World Cup will bring together 32 secondary schools from across Qatar competing under their official names in the first season from November 4, 2025, to April 2026, and under the names of the qualified national teams in the second season aligned with the 2026–2027 Olympic Program creating an inspiring simulation of the global tournament. The Mini World Cup aims to blend education and sport in a distinctive experience that brings students closer to one of the biggest international events ever staged in Qatar. It will offer young athletes a real taste of competition, while instilling values of teamwork, collaboration, and community service. A series of interactive activities will accompany the tournament, giving students and schools the chance to experience the journey of preparing for the World Cup, deepening their passion for basketball and appreciation of the sport’s cultural and educational legacy. Speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Saad al-Mughaiseeb stressed that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup represents a pioneering step: “For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork.” Al-Mughaiseeb added that: “The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations.” For his part, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani said:” “Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy, encompassing state-of-the-art sports facilities, development programs for youth and juniors, and increased participation in sports across all segments of society, while ensuring the highest standards of organisation and providing an unforgettable experience for student-athletes.” Sheikh Khalifa emphasised: “We stand on the threshold of a global event eagerly awaited by millions. With the concerted efforts of our partners at both the international and local federations, and with your media support playing a pivotal role in conveying our message, we are confident that we will deliver a championship marked by exceptional sportsmanship and remarkable achievements.” The launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup underlines Qatar’s vision to enhance school sports, instil social and educational values through athletics, and nurture a generation capable of proudly representing the nation on the global stage.

The Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, announced today the launch of the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons (2025–2026 and 2026–2027). This pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind in the Middle East.The announcement came during a press conference at the Al Wajbah Hall of the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; Mr. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaseeb, Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; and Mr. Saadon Sabah Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program, alongside senior officials and representatives from the Organizing Committee, the Qatar School Sports Association, and local media.As part of the School Olympic Program, the tournament is being organized under the supervision of FIBA in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation. It will mirror the competitive format of the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, offering a unique school-level simulation of one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles.In a remarkable prelude to the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the Mini Basketball World Cup will bring together 32 secondary schools from across Qatar competing under their official names in the first season from November 4, 2025, to April 2026, and under the names of the qualified national teams in the second season aligned with the 2026–2027 Olympic Program creating an inspiring simulation of the global tournament.The Mini World Cup aims to blend education and sport in a distinctive experience that brings students closer to one of the biggest international events ever staged in Qatar. It will offer young athletes a real taste of competition, while instilling values of teamwork, collaboration, and community service. A series of interactive activities will accompany the tournament, giving students and schools the chance to experience the journey of preparing for the World Cup, deepening their passion for basketball and appreciation of the sport’s cultural and educational legacy.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb stressed that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup represents a pioneering step: “For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork.”Mr. Al-Mughaiseeb added that: “The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations.”For his part, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani said:” "Through this partnership, we aim for the tournament to leave a lasting legacy, encompassing state-of-the-art sports facilities, development programs for youth and juniors, and increased participation in sports across all segments of society, while ensuring the highest standards of organization and providing an unforgettable experience for student-athletes."Sheikh Khalifa emphasized: "We stand on the threshold of a global event eagerly awaited by millions. With the concerted efforts of our partners at both the international and local federations, and with your media support playing a pivotal role in conveying our message, we are confident that we will deliver a championship marked by exceptional sportsmanship and remarkable achievements."The launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup underlines Qatar’s vision to enhance school sports, instill social and educational values through athletics, and nurture a generation capable of proudly representing the nation on the global stage.

The death toll from an Indonesian school collapse rose to 45 on Sunday, officials said, as rescuers recovered more victims buried under the rubble.Part of the multi-storey building of Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Indonesia's Java island collapsed suddenly on Monday as students gathered for afternoon prayers.Rescuers retrieved another 19 victims from the rubble on Sunday, National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) operations director Yudhi Bramantyo said."According to our calculation, the total number of victims we have evacuated are 149, with 45 reported dead ... and 104 survivors," Yudhi told reporters Sunday, up from a toll of 37 earlier on Sunday and including several body parts.Nanang Sigit, the head of the local search and rescue agency, confirmed the same death toll.Yudhi said before the latest bodies were found on Sunday that at least 26 people were still missing.Rescuers were still working around the clock in the rubble of the Islamic boarding school."We will continue to do our best," he said."In other words, we will probably extend the operation until we are sure that all victims... have been recovered."Yudhi estimated that authorities would be able to clear the rubble by Tuesday.The recovery operation was around "60 percent" complete, national disaster agency official Budi Irawan told reporters earlier on Sunday."Our hope is that by tomorrow everything will be levelled and we can determine the approximate number of victims who are in the rubble," Budi said in a livestreamed news conference.Investigators have been looking into the cause of the collapse, but initial signs pointed to substandard construction, according to experts.The rescue operation was complex because vibrations in one place could affect other areas, officials said.The families of the missing agreed on Thursday for heavy equipment to be used, after the 72-hour "golden period" for the best chance of survival came to an end.Lax construction standards have raised widespread concerns about building safety in Indonesia.At least three people were killed and dozens were injured in September when a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.

Two Palestinians were martyred, and two others were wounded Wednesday morning when Israeli occupation forces targeted Al-Falah School, which houses displaced persons in Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City. The wounded were transferred to Al-Maamadani Hospital. According to Palestinian news agency (WAFA), the Israeli occupation army announced the closure of Al-Rashid Street on the southern side of the Gaza Strip starting this afternoon, noting that moving south will be available to those who were unable to evacuate Gaza City earlier. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation has continued to commit massacres against people in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 66,097 martyrs and 168,536 wounded, the majority of whom are children and women. In addition, 453 Palestinians, including 150 children, have died due to starvation.

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.