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Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, and Mantra4Change, welcomed global former footballer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Sir David Beckham during a special visit to one of its education initiatives in India, where he met with students and witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of EAA Foundation’s work.**media[386859]**During the visit, Beckham spent time engaging with children and teachers, observing interactive learning activities, and joining students in outdoor play. delivered in collaboration with EAA Foundation’s local partner Mantra4Change.The children expressed their excitement and joy, sharing stories about their learning journeys and their dreams for the future.**media[386861]**The visit comes as part of the EAA Foundation’s ongoing mission to break barriers to education, empower young learners, and partner with communities and governments to deliver innovative, child-centred learning solutions across India.**media[386858]**EAA Foundation continues to work closely with local partners to create safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments where children can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.**media[386857]**For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.orgFor media inquiries, please contact:Mohamed Al-AmriSenior Media Relations [email protected]+974-5000-9960Patience RusareSenior Media [email protected]+974-5993-1560 

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, continued its participation at the 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) with three sessions on digital dignity, higher education access for displaced youth, and the future of green entrepreneurship. Through these sessions, EAA Foundation reinforced its commitment to ensuring equitable, innovative, and human-centred learning environments that empower young people and strengthen community resilience.**media[385930]**The day opened with the session “From Data to Dignity: Technology and the Right to Education,” jointly led by the Educate A Child (EAC) and Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC) programmes, alongside the Innovation Development. The discussion explored how digital technologies, AI-driven tools, and ethical data systems can protect learners’ rights, monitor attacks on education, and expand access to inclusive and secure learning environments. The session highlighted EAA’s growing partnerships with UNICEF and UNDP, aimed at advancing data-driven approaches that uphold dignity, privacy, and equity in education.**media[385927]**The session featured Frank Van Cappelle, Head of the UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub, Biplove Choudhary, UNDP Technical Representative and Head of Office in Doha, and Christina Wille, Founder and Director of Insecurity Insight, and originator of the Aid in Danger Project and SiND Database. The discussion was moderated by Noor Muhammad, EAC Monitoring & Evaluation Director.**media[385929]**EAA Foundation Strategy, Policy, and Research Directorate and Al Fakhoora Programme jointly led “From Camps to Campuses: Policy, Partnerships and Pathways for Higher Education Access,” a session that examined global models enabling displaced and refugee youth, especially women, to access higher education and transition from crisis to university learning. Drawing on insights from IIE, NAFSA, IAFOR, and EAA’s Public Policy Observatory, the discussion underscored the role of higher education in restoring dignity, expanding opportunity, and building long-term resilience for communities affected by forced migration.**media[385932]**The panel included Prof. Joseph Haldane, Chairman and CEO of the International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Dr. Fanta Aw, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, Association of International Educators, Jonah Kokodyniak, Executive Vice President for Program Development and Partner Services at the Institute of International Education (IIE), and Dr. Jaana Nogueira, Research Coordinator at FGV. The session was moderated by Dr. Savo Heleta, a contributor to the EAA Public Policy Observatory.**media[385928]**The final EAA Foundation session of Day Two, “Future Ready: AI, Education and Green Entrepreneurship for Youth,” led by the Silatech Programme, examined how digital transformation and climate-oriented innovation are reshaping the future of work. The discussion explored how AI can drive youth economic empowerment while enabling climate-responsive solutions and opening new pathways for green entrepreneurship. The session highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in rapidly evolving labour markets.**media[385931]**The session featured Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, Arnauld Ventura, Managing Partner at Gojo Inc., Francesco d’Ovidio, ILO Country Director for Qatar, Dr. Nadi Albino, Deputy Director of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and Noora Abdulrahman Al Thani, EAA Youth Advocate. The discussion was moderated by Patience Rusare, Senior Media Specialist for Communications and Engagement at EAA Foundation.Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, said: "Our sessions highlight the essence of our mission at Education Above All Foundation: ensuring that technology, higher education, and economic opportunity work together to protect the right to learn and to empower young people. Through sessions such as From Data to Dignity, From Camps to Campuses, and Future Ready, we are showcasing real solutions that help vulnerable learners access safe digital environments, transition into universities, and move from learning to earning. These discussions reflect our belief that human values must guide innovation, and that education remains the most powerful tool to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready societies."Through its Day Two sessions at WISE 12, the Education Above All Foundation strengthened its global mission to champion inclusive, human-centred, and innovative education. By advancing digital rights, expanding higher-education pathways, and promoting climate-resilient entrepreneurship, EAA Foundation continues to empower youth, especially those most marginalised, to access opportunities, build resilience, and shape a future of possibility.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.orgFor media inquiries, please contact:Mohamed Al-AmriSenior Media Relations [email protected]+974-5000-9960Patience RusareSenior Media [email protected]+974-5993-1560

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, launched its participation at the 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) with four sessions that explored evidence-based solutions to expand access to education, empower young people, and strengthen social and economic resilience. Under the theme “Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education,” the sessions underscored the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring equitable, innovative, and human-centred learning environments worldwide.**media[385350]**Al Fakhoora and PEIC Programmes, in collaboration with University of Oxford and Bard College, opened with a compelling discussion on how young people affected by war, conflict, and displacement are using education to reclaim agency, protect identity, and rebuild their communities. The session highlighted EAA’s commitment to expanding higher-education pathways, strengthening psychosocial resilience, and amplifying youth-driven advocacy.The session featured Jonathan Becker, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bard College, Dr. Christos Kypraios, Lead of the Oxford Crisis Education Programme at the University of Oxford, and Luisa Romero, peacebuilder and activist with 8 years of experience in conflict transformation and youth-led peacebuilding in Colombia. The session was moderated by Alaa Abhari, Al Fakhoora student at Bard College specialising in Human Rights and International Law.**media[385348]**The Reach Out to All (ROTA) Programme showcased global models of climate-resilient education, drawing on EAA-supported projects with UNDP in Uzbekistan, UNICEF in Zanzibar, and the Girl Child Network’s Green Youth 360 initiative in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya. The session demonstrated how localised, community-driven climate education approaches equip young people with the knowledge, innovation, and leadership skills needed to address complex environmental challenges.The session included Niina Kylliäinen, Regional Climate Advisor at UNICEF MENARO, Dennis Mutiso, Deputy Director of the Girl Child Network (GCN), and Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Executive Director of EAA Foundation Monitoring and Evaluation. George Tavola, Senior Engagement Manager, moderated the discussion and also featured contributions from Mila Lukic, CEO of Bridges Outcomes Partnerships.EAA Foundation’s Innovation Development Programme led an insightful exploration into how embracing failure as a learning tool can drive stronger, more scalable education solutions. The discussion examined why many educational pilots fail to grow beyond small-scale implementation and showcased how iterative design, community-based adaptation, and evidence-driven refinement can lead to more equitable and sustainable models.The panel featured Mr. Netsanet Demewoz, Deputy Director of Education at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Saurabh Singh, Director of State Programs (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) at Mantra Social Services and Stefaan Vande Walle, Global Strategic Education Advisor at VVOB - education for development. The session was moderated by Janhvi Maheshwari Kanoria, Executive Director of the Innovation Development Programme. The final session of Day One centred on transforming Qatar into a leading regional hub for social investment into global education and employment. Organised by EAA Foundation, Educate A Child International, and Qatar’s Ministry of Finance, and supported by global partners such as Bridges Outcomes Partnerships and Citi Social Finance, the session explored how impact-driven capital can unlock scalable, sustainable education and economic-empowerment opportunities for vulnerable youth around the world.The discussion brought together Jorge Rubio, Global Head of Citi Social Finance, Hamad Al Hajri, Director of the International Cooperation and Financial Agreements Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Finance, and Ali Al Sobai, Chief Operations Officer at EAA. The session was moderated by James Shaw-Hamilton, CEO, Educate A Child International.Mohammed Al Kubaisi, CEO of Education Above All Foundation, said: “Today's sessions reflect the essence of our mission at Education Above All Foundation, ensuring that education protects, empowers, and creates real pathways to opportunity for every child and young person. Through discussions on civic agency, climate resilience, innovation, and social investment, we are demonstrating how bold ideas, evidence-based approaches, and cross-sector partnerships can transform systems and strengthen communities. These sessions reaffirm that when education is centred on human dignity, it becomes a powerful force for recovery, resilience, and long-term development.”Through its Day One sessions at WISE 12, the Education Above All Foundation reaffirmed its global mission to champion inclusive, human-centred, and innovative education. By fostering cross-sector partnerships, elevating youth voices, and showcasing scalable solutions, EAA Foundation continues to drive forward a vision where every learner, especially those most marginalised, can access opportunities, build resilience, and shape a future of possibility.As a side activity at WISE 12, visitors were also invited to explore the EAA Foundation booth, an immersive, multi-room journey that brings to life the Foundation’s mission to take learners from education to meaningful employment. The booth guides visitors through four interconnected zones showcasing EAA’s core pillars: access to education, youth empowerment, protection in conflict, and pathways to economic opportunity. Through the real-life stories, visitors experience the transformative impact of EAA programmes across the learner’s journey. The space features interactive classrooms, global impact displays, conflict-affected learning environments, and showcases of youth livelihood initiatives through ROTA and Silatech. Elements such as the “Weaving Tomorrow” installation and a library façade of global country books further highlight EAA’s worldwide footprint and collective action. For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, in collaboration with Al Sadd Sports Club and with the support of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, held the “Peace Tournament”, a community football event dedicated to children, youth, and Gaza families hosted by the State of Qatar and residing in Al Thumama Complex. The tournament took place on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at 8:00 PM at Al Sadd Sports Club fields.The initiative formed part of the community partnership between Education Above All Foundation and Al Sadd SC, and aligned with EAA’s efforts to enhance the psychosocial well-being of children and youth and to support crisis-affected communities through sports activities that strengthened social cohesion, built bonds of solidarity, and reinforced positive community values.The one-day tournament brought together children, youth, and adults from Gaza across three age groups, following an approach that ensured fair and inclusive participation for all.Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, CEO of Al Sadd Football Club Company: "Al Sadd Club participation in organizing the Peace Tournament, in collaboration with Education Above All Foundation and with the support of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, stems from our social responsibility and our national role in supporting initiatives that strengthen human and community cohesion. We believe that sport, and football in particular, has a unique ability to bring people together, restore hope, and create moments of joy, especially for children and youth who have endured difficult experiences. At Al Sadd Club, we were keen to provide all the necessary resources to ensure the success of this tournament, which we are proud to present as a message of solidarity from Qatar to our brothers and sisters from Gaza who are guests of the country. We will continue to support initiatives that harness the power of sport to serve humanity and promote the values of unity and generosity."On this occasion, Ms. AlAnood Al-Attiyah, Director of the Al Fakhoora Programme at Education Above All Foundation, stated: “At Education Above All, we believe in the transformative power of sport to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and restore hope, especially for communities facing profound humanitarian challenges. This tournament was not merely a sporting activity; it was a safe space that offered children and youth an outlet for expression and an opportunity to build positive relationships that enhanced community cohesion. We were pleased to collaborate with Al Sadd SC and the Ministry of Social Development and Family through initiatives that embody the values of giving, solidarity, and supporting children and youth wherever they may be.”Education Above All Foundation continued its efforts in Qatar and around the world to create safe, inclusive, and supportive educational and social environments for children and youth. Through collaborative partnerships with national, sports, and community institutions, EAA worked to provide equal opportunities for all and contributed to improving the quality of life in the most vulnerable communities.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.orgFor media inquiries, please contact:Mohamed Al-AmriSenior Media Relations [email protected]+974-5000-9960Patience RusareSenior Media [email protected]+974-5993-1560

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), successfully concluded a high-level panel discussion titled “Empowering Youth: Bridging Skills, Employment, and Sustainable Pathways” at the Qatar Pavilion during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP30). The session brought together international experts, private-sector leaders, and youth voices to explore how integrated skills development, apprenticeships, digital learning, and cross-sector partnerships can unlock meaningful employment opportunities, especially for marginalised young people, in the context of climate change.The panelists underscored that the twin challenges of youth unemployment and climate vulnerability demand holistic and collaborative solutions. The session opened with remarks from Mr Mahmoud Abdulaziz Al Marwani, Assistant Director of the Climate Change Department in Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, set the tone for a discussion focused on resilience, opportunity, and youth empowerment and Mr. Fahad Malik, Head of Engagement at the EAA Foundation’s Silatech Programme, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating youth economic empowerment into climate-resilient development.Contributions followed from Mr. Richard Choularton, Director of the Climate and Resilience Service at the World Food Programme (WFP); Ms. Olga Petryniak, Senior Director for Africa Resilience Programs at Mercy Corps; Ms. Mariana M. Rocha, Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Belém; and Mr. Kevin Chalhoub, CEO of EV Lab and Head of Brand at Chalhoub Group; Together, the speakers emphasised that bridging policy with practice requires aligning education systems, labour markets, and climate adaptation strategies to create real, sustainable opportunities for marginalised youth.Participants also showcased practical models that connect vulnerable youth to economic opportunities in climate-affected environments, illustrating how climate-smart livelihoods, private-sector innovation, and community-based interventions can accelerate inclusive growth. Personal reflections from Ms. Solange Sampaio dos Santos, a 1MiO Programme beneficiary further demonstrated the transformative impact of skills development and tailored employment pathways in enabling young people to transition successfully into the workforce.Across both thematic rounds, From Policy to Pathways and Future-Ready Youth, experts called for strengthened collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to scale proven models and ensure that young people, particularly those in fragile and rural settings, are not left behind. Panelists highlighted that equipping youth with market-relevant skills is essential not only for economic empowerment but also for advancing climate resilience and delivering on national and global commitments to sustainable development.Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, said: “Today’s discussion reaffirmed that young people are central to building more resilient, prosperous, and climate-smart societies. When we invest in their skills, creativity, and opportunities, we unlock the potential of entire communities. Guided by EAA’s mission to transform learning into real economic opportunity, from learning to earning, we remain committed, together with our partners, to ensuring that all young people, especially the most marginalised, are equipped to thrive in the green and digital economies of the future.EAA Foundation’s participation at COP30 contributes to global efforts to position youth economic empowerment at the heart of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By sharing best practices, amplifying youth voices, and fostering new partnerships, the Foundation continues to champion inclusive, sustainable pathways that enable young people to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to climate-resilient development.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.orgFor media inquiries, please contact:Mohamed Al-AmriSenior Media Relations [email protected]+974-5000-9960Patience RusareSenior Media [email protected]+974-5993-1560

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Education Above All (EAA), and King's Trust International (KTI) have signed an agreement to tackle global youth unemployment and empower young people worldwide, with the aim of reaching over 51,000 youth.In a statement, QFFD said that the signing ceremony, held on the sidelines of King's Trust International's 10th anniversary celebrations in London, and was signed by Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, Mohammed Saad al-Kubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Education Above All Foundation and Will Straw, Chief Executive Officer of King's Trust International.This partnership, with QFFD as a principal benefactor, will advance KTI's Generation Potential campaign and expand the reach of programmes across Pakistan, Jordan, Nigeria, Ghana and the Caribbean, focusing on promoting youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and gender equality.These efforts aim to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly complex job market, while placing a particular emphasis on youth in fragile and underserved communities, especially young women and marginalised groups, empowering them to play an active role in driving sustainable development and building resilient, inclusive societies.Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, stated: "At the heart of our mission at QFFD lies a deep belief in the potential of young people to shape a better and more sustainable future for all. Through this partnership, we are investing in youth as catalysts of development, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to lead positive change within their communities. Empowering youth is an investment in peace, prosperity, and shared humanity, and together we are reaffirming our collective commitment to ensure that no young person is left behind."Mohammed al-Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, said: "At Education Above All Foundation, we believe that empowering youth with the skills and knowledge to navigate the green economy is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. With the support of our strategic partner, Qatar Fund for Development, and through our collaboration with The King's Trust International, we are creating opportunities that not only transform individual lives but also drive collective action toward a more equitable and resilient world."Will Straw, Chief Executive of King's Trust International, added: "We are deeply grateful to Qatar Fund for Development for their visionary support. This partnership enables us to reach more young people than ever before, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to shape their own futures. Young people today face enormous challenges, from economic instability to the climate crisis. But they also represent our greatest hope. Through this partnership with QFFD, we are not only investing in their potential but are amplifying their voices, unlocking their talents, and standing alongside them as they build a better future for us all."This partnership reflects the enduring bilateral relations and shared vision between Qatar and the United Kingdom, united in their commitment to advancing human development, fostering social inclusion, and expanding economic opportunity, thereby contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global future.

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

Snoonu, Qatar’s fastest-growing homegrown super app, is proud to announce the launch of its flagship CSR initiative “Give For Education”, in partnership with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, as part of EAA’s nationwide Back to School 2025 campaign.The campaign, which runs from August 15 to December 15, 2025, aims to mobilise communities and provide vital support for out-of-school children, ensuring they have access to quality education and the tools they need to build a brighter future.Through this initiative, Snoonu users can make donations directly via the Education Above All section in Snoonu’s Charity Category, making it easier and faster for the community to contribute. The campaign will also feature school competitions, community events, and digital storytelling, all designed to raise awareness and encourage participation.Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu, said: “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and no child should be left behind. With Give For Education, we are not only supporting EAA’s Back to School campaign but also engaging our community in shaping a better future. As a Qatari company, we believe it is our responsibility to leverage technology for impact, ensuring every contribution helps empower the next generation.”Fatima Al-Nameh, from the Education Above All Foundation, said: “At Education Above All Foundation, we believe that every child has the right to education as a fundamental tool for human dignity and sustainable development. Our collaboration with Snoonu on the Give For Education initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering the most marginalised children with access to inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. Through this nationwide campaign, we hope to inspire the community across Qatar to contribute to building a brighter future for generations to come, where education serves as the cornerstone of justice, stability, and prosperity.”This initiative reflects Snoonu’s ongoing commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights Snoonu’s belief that national development and global sustainability go hand in hand, while further strengthening its long-standing collaboration with EAA.