tag

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly programme, under Pre-University Education, organised a two-day swimming competition aimed at promoting inclusion through sport and empowering people with disabilities.The competition brought together around 70 participants and their families as part of an initiative that reflects Ability Friendly programme and its commitment to providing sports and recreational activities that offer participants equal opportunities to showcase their skills and build self-confidence.The event was sponsored by Sasol, reaffirming its commitment to empowering people with disabilities.The partnership with the QF aims to promote sports as a platform for rehabilitation, empowerment, and community inclusion.“At Sasol, we believe that true progress is measured not only by innovation and growth, but by how inclusive and equitable our communities become,” said Sasol vice-president (Qatar Country Management) Lourens Jacobs.“Through our long-standing collaboration with Qatar Foundation and our Accessible Qatar initiative, we continue to champion opportunities that empower every individual to participate fully and equally in society,” he said. “This Ability Friendly Swimming Competition reflects a shared belief that when barriers are removed, talent, courage, and determination shine through.”Jacobs emphasised that sport serves as a universal language, one that celebrates ability, strengthens communities, and inspires change.He highlighted that the athletes competing in the event demonstrate that inclusion is not about accommodation, but about creating environments where everyone can excel.Aisha Jassim al-Ali, the mother of Jassim al-Sulaiti, one of the participants with autism, said: “For Jassim, swimming has become a source of confidence and independence. He joined the Ability Friendly programme eight years ago, and since then, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in his personality, one that has had a positive impact on his daily life, behaviour, and self-confidence.”“The Ability Friendly programme is a true outlet for our children,” she said. “It’s no longer just about playing sports for recreation, but about preparing champions who can compete in local tournaments.”“Today, I see Jassim competing alongside his peers with confidence and pride,” al-Ali added.

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

Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education (PUE) held its annual forum as part of the “World Teachers' Day” celebrations, honouring the dedication of teachers and educators.The event not only highlighted the achievements and milestones within the educational community but also showcased the inspiring experiences and success stories of graduates.The event also marked the launch of Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education Strategy 2040.It featured a range of engaging segments, where students and graduates – including sponsored staff through the Al Masar programme under the PUE, who joined QF schools in the current academic year – shared testimonials highlighting their experiences on both their academic and professional journeys.The programme included an awards ceremony honouring outstanding teachers and students in recognition of their contributions, alongside interactive activities that encouraged the sharing of experiences.An accompanying exhibition provided a platform to showcase educational initiatives and student innovations, highlighting the diversity and creativity within the educational system."As we celebrate Teachers' Day, we extend our deepest appreciation and respect to every teacher in our family,” said PUE president Abeer al-Khalifa.“You are the ones who turn challenges into opportunities, ideas into creativity, and who make a difference every day in the minds of our students,” she said. “Through your contributions, promising generations are built; through your efforts, our ambitions are renewed and our aspirations are achieved.”"This year, we celebrate educational achievements that reflect our commitment to innovation and to responding to the needs of our community,” al-Khalifa continued. “Among the most notable are the launch of the Islamic Civilisation Curriculum to strengthen our students’ sense of identity and belonging, the academic expansion projects at Qatar Academy Sidra and Renad Academy to meet the growing demand for school places, as well as the integration of the Military Secondary School with Qatar Leadership Academy, a strategic step that reflects our partnership with the Ministry of Defence.""Our gathering coincides with the 30th anniversary of the QF, three decades of dedication, achievement, excellence, innovation, and leadership,” she stressed. “This milestone inspires us and provides renewed strength as we shape the features of the Pre-University Education 2040 Strategy.""Through this strategy, we aim to build an integrated educational system that fosters the holistic growth of learners, instills in them a love for lifelong learning and pride in their identity and local culture, while enabling them to excel in a rapidly changing world,” al-Khalifa stated. “We also place great importance on teachers and experts, as role models within an inclusive and innovation-driven learning environment, and as essential partners in this inspiring journey, a key factor in realising its vision, achieving its goals, and turning it into a tangible reality."She concluded her remarks on the Pre-University Education 2040 Strategy by saying that "we reaffirm our deep commitment to protecting the Arabic language, strengthening identity, and instilling pride in local culture, through long-term partnerships at both the regional and global levels".

Parents of students at Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education (PUE) schools expressed their deep appreciation for the pivotal role teachers play in their children’s lives on World Teachers’ Day.According to parents, a teacher is not merely a transmitter of knowledge, but a source of inspiration who instils values, uncovers hidden talents, and transforms the learning journey into a rich human experience that extends beyond the classroom.Dana Abdullatif al-Kuwari, a parent of a student at Education City High School (ECHS) under QF’s PUE, said: “I believe that teachers are the primary source of inspiration for my daughter, as they have helped her build self-confidence and given her the motivation to become more responsible in her educational journey.“The secret to a teacher’s success lies in their patience, passion, and ability to see the potential in their students. I clearly found these qualities in the teachers at QF, who provided her with opportunities to experiment and discover her talents, helping her strengthen her abilities and overcome challenges.”Al-Kuwari added: “I am grateful to the teachers for making the learning experience enjoyable rather than just about academic grades. They have instilled in my daughter curiosity, confidence, and the pursuit of excellence.”Wadha al-Maawdah, a mother of children at Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS) and Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), both schools under QF’s PUE, recalled how her daughter’s shyness at the beginning of the school year was transformed through her teacher’s support. “Her teacher involved her in group activities and collaborative tasks, and step by step she built friendships and gained confidence, which made a significant difference in her personality both inside and outside of school.”An alumnus of QAD, al-Maawdah added: “I witnessed this same dedication when one of her teachers recognised her passion for art and encouraged her to participate in exhibitions. This not only boosted her confidence but also transformed art from a hobby into a meaningful way of expression.“I am thankful to every teacher who has been a guiding light for my children and a source of support at every stage. Thanks to their efforts, my children’s educational journey has been enriched with knowledge, confidence, and personal growth.”Reema Said, whose daughter studies at QAD, highlighted how teachers’ encouragement extended beyond academics. “Their positive impact was especially evident when they encouraged her to participate in extracurricular activities, which enhanced her sense of responsibility.“The teachers at QF provided her with a nurturing environment that encouraged her to explore and discover her talents. Thanks to their efforts, learning has become an inspiring journey that enriches her personality with confidence and curiosity. For this, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to them for being the reason behind our children’s growth and success.”