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The founder of Esmaani, Hilal Said al-Dhuhli recently received the Akhlaquna Individual Contributions Award for the GCC category from Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation at an event held at the Education City in Doha. The initiative is an Omani volunteer effort and a pioneering programme aimed at empowering individuals who suffer from stuttering—a speech disorder characterised by repetition and interruptions in speech. Along with management of stuttering through specialised training, the programme is also raising awareness about the condition, which affects about 1% of the global population. Al-Dhuhli who leads the efforts at Esmaani said that it has been a long journey for him empowering the people affected by speech disorder. He advocates for a more inclusive society for those who suffer in their day-to-day life due to this impediment. At the award ceremony, al-Dhuhli had said: “We aim to empower people who stutter by offering training programmes that help them overcome speech challenges. We also work to raise awareness about their needs and the importance of their inclusion.” According to al-Dhuhli, the initiative was started early in 2020 with only three volunteering members and since then a large number of participants of various age groups have joined. “It is a transformative organisation dedicated to empowering people who stutter by fostering confidence, communication skills, and inclusive opportunities. We believe that every voice matters and through advocacy, education, and community support, we break down barriers to create a world where stuttering is not a limitation but a unique strength,” he explained. The initiative operates under the auspices of the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. According to the officials of the organisation, stuttering affects approximately 80mn people globally. “We aim to empower people and equip them to overcome communication barriers, integrate them into society and ensure that their voices are valued. Tutors involved in the initiative have received specialised training abroad such as Training of Trainers certification on stuttering management to provide high-quality programmes,” he noted. With the motto of ‘Empowering Voices, Transforming Lives ‘ the Esmaani initiative is Oman’s first dedicated platform for supporting individuals who stutter. “Our mission is to empower people to achieve their personal and professional goals, fostering confidence and fluency through innovative programmes and community engagement. At Esmani, we strive to create a world where every voice is valued,” Al-Dhuhli said. Through the flagship “Listen to Me” programme, school workshops, and public awareness campaigns, the programme aims to educate society, combat stigma, and provide a supportive network for individuals and their families. In addition to the Akhlaquna Award, the initiative has received significant recognition in the region, including recognition by the Oman Human Rights Commission in 2022. It also qualified for the Beirut Volunteers Award in 2024 and won the Youth Excellence Award in 2025. 

Promoting the inculcation of human values, morals and social responsibility, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), Tuesday honoured 14 winners in different categories with the 2026 Akhlaquna Awards.**media[433240]**Held at Multaqa at Education City, the event was also graced by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson, QF, several ministers and a number of dignitaries. Launched in 2017, QF’s Akhlaquna initiative emphasises the interconnection between knowledge, education, and strong moral values. Over the years, 79 ambassadors have been appointed from among the initiative’s winners.**media[433235]**This year’s winners were chosen by a 17-member jury who evaluated their impactful and inspiring community initiatives as well as the exemplary ethical values in their initiatives and behaviours.**media[433243]**Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikha Noof Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, vice president, Strategic Educational Initiatives, Pre-University Education at QF, said that ethics and values are no longer merely an intellectual condition but an existential necessity.“When the balance is disturbed, societies are not sustained by abundant resources or strengthened by powerful tools; rather, their equilibrium is restored by the moral values rooted within them and by the sense of responsibility individuals uphold toward themselves and their communities,” noted Sheikha Noof.**media[433237]**“Today, we affirm that true investment is not only in knowledge, but in the ethical values that guide it,” explained Sheikha Noof. “Since 2017, we have not been building just a programme, rather we have been building impact. We have moved from foundation to empowerment, and from idea to tangible results.”She also announced the launch of this year’s ethical campaign under the slogan: “Responsibility is a Trust,” adding, “It is not just a phrase, but a call for every individual to recognise that what they hold is trust, and that their impact on society is a responsibility.”**media[433236]**Eight students were awarded in the Akhlaquna Junior category, which recognises children who embody positive ethical values: Essa Rashid al-Muraikhi, Mohammed Ahmad al-Hashemi, Abdulaziz Saoud al-Jassim, Dana Abdulla al-Shebani, Aldana Saad al-Qahtani, Maryam Yousif al-Jedaia, and two students from QF’s schools, Aisha Hilal al-Mohannadi from Qatar Academy Al Khor, and Jabr Ali al-Mohannadi from Tariq Bin Ziad School.Meanwhile, three students were recognised in the Akhlaquna Youth category for their role in promoting ethical values and social responsibility among their peers: Huiam Obaid, Meera Yousef al-Kaabi, and Rashid Mohammed al-Ghafri from QF’s Qatar Academy Al Wakra.Jaffrin Alliyah Choudury received the Akhlaquna Individual Contributions Award – Qatar for her initiative ‘Feed a Friend’ that delivers food and essential support to those in need, helping thousands of people regain stability while promoting compassion and social responsibility.Hilal Said al-Dhuhli from Oman received the Akhlaquna Individual Contributions Award – GCC for his initiative ‘Esmani’ that empowers people who stutter by offering training programmes that help them overcome speech challenges, while also raising societal awareness of their needs and the importance of their inclusion.Meanwhile, the ‘Bunyan Club’ initiative, led by Mohammed Nasser al-Jabri, was one of three shortlisted projects and was named a winner in the Akhlaquna Youth (Group) category. The initiative aims to promote a culture of community service and social work within the local community.“This recognition marks an important milestone in the journey of the initiative, not only on a personal level, but also for the communities that have been part of it,” Choudury, winner of Akhlaquna Individual Contributions Award-Qatar, said. ““Every individual can play a role in promoting ethical values by practising them consistently and using their platforms to inspire others, as even a simple act of kindness can create an impact far beyond what we can imagine,” noted al-Dhuhli, winner of the Akhlaquna Individual Contributions Award–GCC.“This achievement reaffirms the direction of the Bunyan Club initiative and highlights the positive impact that well-organised and purpose-driven social work can have, which motivates us to continue moving forward on this path,” al-Jabri from Bunyan Club remarked.Akhlaquna Day also featured a panel discussion titled ‘Youth and Ethics in Times of Crisis,’ which highlighted the role of youth as role models, their contribution to raising awareness and building a cohesive society. 

One of the winners of the Akhlaquna Award this year was ‘Feed a Friend’, a Qatar-based community initiative that aims to support the weaker section of society with social and emotional support.‘Feed a Friend’ was the winner in the Akhlaquna Individual Contributions Award–Qatar category, and Jaffrin Alliyah Choudury, founder and CEO of the organisation, received the award on Tuesday evening from Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.**media[433545]**Choudury said that Feed a Friend delivers food and other essential support to those in need, helping thousands of people regain stability while promoting compassion and social responsibility.Launched in 2020, the initiative provided essential groceries and food support to those facing financial hardship, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative has since grown into a large volunteer-led team, supporting thousands through food boxes, community fridges, and other initiatives. The initiative has supported more than 46,000 individuals with food and other necessities.“While the initiative has supported more than 46,000 individuals with food, its deeper impact lies in the over 2,500 volunteers involved, whose perspectives have shifted and sense of responsibility has grown, ultimately contributing to building a more cohesive community,” said Choudury while addressing the audience at the award ceremony.In the early years, the organisation set a target of providing 30 hot meals over 30 days to individuals in need. However, the demand from the community surpassed the initial target and they later extended the provision to 60 meals. With the support of the partners, the team has been able to deliver hot meals directly to the doors of those in need across a wide area of the country, ensuring accessibility for those requiring assistance.“Akhlaquna recognition marks an important milestone in the journey of the initiative, not only on a personal level, but also for the communities that have been part of it,” Choudury remarked. “It reflects a broader appreciation for the values of generosity and social responsibility that we believe in and strive to promote.”In addition to providing meals to the needy, the programme currently has other initiatives, such as Newborn Care Boxes and Community Fridge Refills. Furthermore, the initiative also provides a supply of free organic vegetables; home learning packs for students, among others, as well as pre-owned clothes and footwear.“Every individual can play a role in promoting ethical values by practising them consistently and using their platforms to inspire others, as even a simple act of kindness can create an impact far beyond what we can imagine,” added Choudury.The organisation aims to ensure that no one goes hungry through its initiatives, often in collaboration with local community members and partners. It is also open to receiving any number of volunteers willing to contribute to its social and ethical commitments. 

Youth ambassadors from Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Akhlaquna initiative took part in a panel discussion at the WISE 12 Summit, which explored the impact of non-classroom learning experiences on shaping students’ character and ethical values.The summit – held every two years by QF’s global education initiative WISE – saw the students share their personal journeys and key moments from their experiences both inside and outside the classroom, emphasising the role of non-classroom activities in building skills, strengthening confidence, and reinforcing ethical values, and how these experiences contribute to making a meaningful difference in learners’ lives.Moza Abdulla al-Fakhroo, 19 , spoke about her experience in the session, saying: “I’ve learned that real education isn’t limited to what we receive in the classroom, it’s shaped by every experience we live outside of it.“Being part of the WISE Summit came with a strong sense of responsibility, as it gave us students, a platform to share our experiences. Over the course of my journey, I realized that what truly shaped my character wasn’t grades or assessments, but the initiatives and volunteer work I pursued out of personal motivation and without any reward. These experiences refined me, strengthened my confidence, and gave me the courage to take bigger steps in my path.”“I also realised that values and ethics are not lessons we simply learn from books, they are daily practices that reflect who we are and shape our impact on society. I hope everyone understands that a student is shaped by ethics, experiences, and opportunities just as much as by academics, and that true learning is what helps us discover ourselves and create positive change around us.”Fatima Saad al-Muhannadi, 18, said: “What distinguishes this edition of the conference is its focus on human values, values that are not secondary elements of society, but the foundation upon which we build our relationships, decisions, and daily responsibilities.”During the session, al-Muhannadi highlighted the practical role of ethics in everyday life, beyond theoretical concepts, saying: “Many of the behaviours we practice, whether at home, in school, or in our daily interactions, carry ethical values that influence us and those around us more than we realise.“Through the stories and experiences we shared, it became clear that even simple actions can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the wider community.”Al-Muhannadi emphasised that successful societal policies must be built on a strong ethical foundation, saying: “Young people are capable of contributing to and even leading the shaping of policies. When ethics form the basis of these decisions, their impact becomes far more positive and sustainable.”Abdulla Mohammad al-Biri, 14, spoke about the impact of student participation on building confidence and responsibility, saying: “I believe that initiatives and activities outside the classroom are not a luxury, but an essential part of a student’s development.“They provide us with skills we cannot gain from classroom learning alone, and introduce us to values such as commitment, respect, and responsibility.”Registration for the 2026 edition of the Akhlaquna initiative is open until January 11. More information is available at www.akhlaquna.qa 

Qatar Foundation for Social Work signed a co-operation agreement with the Akhlaquna initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Launched by Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QF, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the initiative represents a model for strengthening the relationship between science and ethics. The agreement aims to enhance co-operation between the Qatar Foundation for Social Work and the Akhlaquna initiative in implementing joint awareness and media campaigns and disseminating positive values ​​​​in society. This is part of the ‘Thank You 2025-2026’ campaign, which kicks off this year under the theme of gratitude and appreciation. It also seeks to activate community and media partnerships to serve the public interest and highlight the developmental role of the Foundation and its affiliated centres in promoting values ​​​​and ethics in Qatari society through participation in events and activities and the production of joint awareness content. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work by Director of the Communication Department at the Foundation, Noor Saleh al-Mohannadi, and on behalf of the Akhlaquna initiative by Project Manager at QF’s Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, Sheikha al-Zeyara, at the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work. On this occasion, al-Mohannadi emphasised that this co-operation falls within the framework of the foundation’s vision to enhance joint work with national entities aimed at serving the community and instilling positive values ​​among its members. She explained that the co-operation with the Akhlaquna initiative represents a distinctive model of integration between national institutions in spreading ethical awareness and promoting positive behaviours. She noted that this step falls within the Qatar Foundation for Social Work’s approach to supporting national initiatives that contribute to strengthening community cohesion and support its mission to empower the beneficiaries of its centres. For her part, Sheikha al-Zeyara appreciated the constructive co-operation with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, noting that it represents an extension of the positive relations between the two parties in the areas of community awareness. She also stressed that this co-operation complements the positive results achieved over the past years between the foundation, its centres, and the Akhlaquna initiative.

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education has announced the opening of registration for the 2026 edition of its Akhlaquna initiative, including the Akhlaquna Award, which recognises youth and community projects that embody and promote ethical and human values in Qatar and beyond.Registration will continue until January 11, 2026. Applicants can apply across four established categories: the Junior Award (ages 7–14), the Youth Award (ages 15–18), Individual Contributions – Qatar, and Individual Contributions – GCC (ages 25–45). This year also marks the launch of a new category – the Al-Shabab Award – which aims to broaden participation and empower young people to showcase their initiatives.Al-Shabab Award highlights morally driven initiatives that create a positive impact on society. It is open to individuals and groups (aged 18–25), encouraging young people to present projects with a clear ethical dimension, whether developed individually or collaboratively.This year also marks the launch of the annual Akhlaquna campaign under the theme “Thank You”. The campaign seeks to foster a culture of gratitude, recognition, and meaningful appreciation, encouraging communities to practice thankfulness not only through words but also through actions and initiatives that strengthen social bonds.Ahmad Yousef al-Malki, project manager and member of the Akhlaquna team, said: “Over the years, the Akhlaquna initiative has become a cornerstone in encouraging ethical initiatives within our society. The initiative continues to provide a platform for highlighting and honouring projects that bring about positive change and inspire individuals to integrate moral values into their daily lives.”Speaking about this year’s campaign, al-Malki explained: “‘The theme of this year’s campaign, reflects QF’s vision of instilling a culture where gratitude and appreciation are not only expressed but also practised in ways that make a tangible impact. By promoting this value, we aim to strengthen relationships and encourage individuals to contribute positively to their communities.”“Our goal is to empower young people and the wider community to adopt ethical values as a guiding principle in their lives. By recognising and supporting them, we contribute to creating a growing impact that extends beyond the award itself, helping build a society where ethics and humanity shape our shared future.“We have high hopes for this edition, especially with the introduction of the new category. Our aim is to reach more young people committed to promoting ethical values and making a difference in their communities.“The Akhlaquna initiative aspires to leave a lasting legacy by encouraging ethical behaviour in society, inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and by honouring initiative leaders as role models for others.”As part of Akhlaquna activities, school visits and student engagement sessions were held across QF schools and beyond, introducing students to the award’s objectives and categories and encouraging them to participate with their ethical initiatives. These sessions also included the implementation of this year’s campaign, “Thank You”, through interactive and practical activities that strengthened the value of gratitude within the school environment and encouraged students to practice thankfulness in their daily lives, both inside and outside the classroom.More information about the Akhlaquna Awards is available at www.akhlaquna.qa