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Qatar Foundation for Social Work participated in the 35th session of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the UN headquarters in Geneva.The participation is part of Qatar Social Work's endeavor to enhance civil society participation in international mechanisms concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, and its capacity as an organisation that holds consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC),The Foundation's participation saw an active presence in the session's proceedings, which included the opening session and the sessions dedicated to discussing the State of Qatar, alongside the Chief Executive Officer delivering a statement during the special session for civil society organizations.CEO of the Qatar Social Work, Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Nuaimi stated that the Foundation's participation in the session reflects the importance of civil society presence in international forums concerned with the rights of persons with disabilities, and enhances opportunities for communication and expertise exchange with relevant international bodies and organizations.He added that this participation allows the Foundation to expand fields of international cooperation and partnerships, and to benefit from specialized expertise and practices, thereby supporting the role of civil society in advocacy and capacity-building related to the rights of persons with disabilities and UN mechanisms.On the sidelines of the session, Al Nuaimi met with HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah.During the meeting, they reviewed the participation of the Foundation and its affiliated centers in the Human Rights Council's proceedings, the organization of side events in cooperation with the Permanent Mission, and its role in topics and draft resolution projects related to its fields of work.In the same context, the Foundation's delegation discussed with President of the International Disability Alliance and President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nawaf Kabbara opportunities for cooperation in supporting the role of civil society in the field of disability, capacity building in advocacy and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UN mechanisms, alongside enhancing cooperation opportunities and exchanging expertise and best practices.The Foundation continues its efforts to strengthen international partnerships and activate the role of civil society in supporting the rights of persons with disabilities through participation in international forums and developing fields of cooperation and capacity building. 

The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) has signed a funding agreement with the Qatar Social Work Foundation to support the Social Researcher Award. Under the agreement, DAAM will provide financial support for the organisation and launch of the award, which aims to promote a culture of scientific research in the social sector and encourage the production of scientific research that contributes to the development of social services and supports evidence-based policymaking.  The award targets school and university students, researchers, academics, and professionals working in the social sector. It seeks to identify and nurture research talent, develop research skills, and encourage participants to propose innovative scientific solutions to societal challenges.  The Director of Shared Services at DAAM, Yousef Mohammed al-Nuaimi, said: "DAAM's support for the Social Researcher Award reflects the Fund's commitment to supporting national initiatives that contribute to advancing social work and strengthening its role in serving the community.” “The award represents an important platform for encouraging scientific research, supporting the production of high-quality studies that contribute to the development of social services, and generating the knowledge that informs social policies and community programmes," he said.  The director of Strategic Planning at the Qatar Social Work Foundation, Shaima Ahmed al-Jannahi, said: "The launch of the Social Researcher Award, supported by DAAM, reflects the Fund's role as a strategic partner in empowering the Foundation and its affiliated centres to implement impactful initiatives and high-quality projects that contribute to social development and strengthen their positive impact on society.”  The Qatar Social Work Foundation is one of the country's leading national institutions dedicated to advancing social work through supporting high-impact initiatives that foster knowledge and innovation within the social sector. Since its establishment in 2010, DAAM has launched numerous vital projects and initiatives across the cultural, social, sports, and charitable sectors.

The Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan), affiliated with the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has launched the ninth edition of its Scientific Research and Innovation Competition.The initiative is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, with sponsorship from Al Rayan Bank.This year's edition introduces an expanded scope, adding categories for senior citizens as well as researchers and academics, alongside students from preparatory and secondary levels in both public and private schools.The move reflects a strategic effort to broaden participation and foster integration across generations and expertise.Director of Planning and Development at Ehsan Anoud Mohammed al-Marr said the competition underscores the centre's commitment to empowering the elderly and reinforcing their role as active contributors to development and innovation.She highlighted that selecting artificial intelligence as the central theme aims to promote advanced technological solutions that enhance seniors' quality of life while opening new avenues for their engagement and knowledge production.For his part, Ghanem Saad al-Humaidi, representing the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Acting Head of the Research, Talent and Innovation Section, emphasised that the ministry's participation reflects its commitment to strengthening the research ecosystem and advancing students' innovation skills in line with modern demands.He noted that focusing on AI encourages practical solutions to societal challenges while fostering students' sense of responsibility and creativity.The competition witnessed strong participation across all targeted groups, reflecting growing societal awareness of the importance of scientific research and innovation in addressing issues related to the elderly and improving their quality of life, in line with Qatar's vision for a knowledge-based economy.Submissions were evaluated by a panel of distinguished academics and experts, with entries demonstrating a high level of innovation and diverse research-driven solutions aimed at supporting and enhancing the well-being of senior citizens. 

Nando’s Qatar recently hosted a number of participants from the Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, one of the centres operating under the umbrella of the Qatar Social Work Foundation, at the Nando’s restaurant in Tawar Mall.The visit was part of an interactive cooking experience designed to promote inclusion, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.Across two dedicated sessions, Shafallah Centre participants took part in a guided activity titled “Build Your Own Burger,” supervised by the Nando’s team. The experience encouraged creativity, teamwork, and independence in a safe, supportive environment, allowing participants to develop new skills while enjoying the warm, welcoming hospitality Nando’s is known for.**media[426589]**The event extended beyond the kitchen, fostering meaningful human connections between participants and team members and highlighting the importance of inclusion and shared experiences within the communities where Nando’s operates. Each participant also received a certificate of participation and symbolic gifts to commemorate the occasion.The initiative also provided Nando’s team members with the opportunity to engage directly and purposefully with the Shafallah participants, reinforcing the values of social inclusion and collaborative spirit. By creating an environment where every participant felt supported and appreciated, the event demonstrated how simple, yet thoughtful initiatives can create a lasting positive impact.Parents, specialists, and representatives from the Shafallah Centre expressed their appreciation for the experience, noting the confidence and joy it brought to the participants. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and community institutions in creating inclusive opportunities that empower youth and strengthen social integration.This initiative reflects Nando’s ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with local communities through meaningful experiences that place people at the heart of its priorities.Venkatesh Jaiswal, COO of Nando’s Qatar, stated: “At Nando’s, we believe our responsibility goes beyond serving great food. It’s about showing up for our community and creating experiences where everyone feels welcome. Our partnership with the Shafallah Centre reflects who we are – a people-first brand that cares.”Tabrez Paloji, head of People at Nando’s Qatar, added: “Inclusivity is not a campaign for us – it’s part of our culture. When we open our doors to experiences like this, we’re not just hosting an activity, we’re creating confidence, dignity, and real human connection. Initiatives like these are part of our ‘Changing People’s Lives’ promise – and that includes the lives of our guests and our own Nandocas.” 

The Qatar Social Work Foundation (QSW) and its affiliated centres have welcomed the issuance of Law No 22 of 2025 on persons with disabilities, calling it a significant step toward ensuring a dignified and high-quality life for all members of society.The foundation emphasised that the new legislation reflects the State’s steadfast commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, in alignment with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.QSW chief executive Rashid Mohammed al-Hamda al-Nuaimi stated that the law demonstrates the wise leadership’s vision to empower individuals and strengthen the social welfare system.He noted that the new legislation marks a significant advancement in the development of support and empowerment frameworks in Qatar, reaffirming the importance of disability issues as a central component of the country’s social development agenda.Al-Nuaimi said that the law promotes greater integration and co-ordination across national social work initiatives, and opens new avenues for collaboration between government entities and social institutions.This, he said, will help build an inclusive environment that enables persons with disabilities to participate fully in all areas of life.The official added that the QSW, through its affiliated centres, will align its programmers and initiatives with the law’s new national directives to support the empowerment, independence, and well-being of persons with disabilities.Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities executive director Maryam Saif al-Suwaidi described the law as a qualitative leap in the nation’s efforts to enhance the rights of persons with disabilities.She emphasised that the legislation reflects the leadership’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable society that upholds human dignity, independence, and active participation for all.Al-Suwaidi highlighted the law’s comprehensive provisions, which include the right to inclusive education, healthcare, rehabilitation, employment, adequate housing, marriage and family life, as well as participation in cultural, sports, and political life, and access to justice and public services.Al-Noor Centre for the Blind executive director Mishal Abdullah al-Nuaimi noted that the new law embodies a holistic national approach to empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their full inclusion in all spheres of life.He pointed to key measures included in the law such as job quotas in both the public and private sectors, the creation of a national database to streamline access to services, the issuance of identification cards to facilitate benefits, and tax and fee exemptions on assistive devices and services. – QNA

The Centre for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), affiliated with the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has resumed the activities of its day clubs with the start of the new academic year. The aim is to continue the mission of providing distinctive programmes and services to empower and care for seniors, enhancing their quality of life, and strengthening their active presence in society. The clubs include three women’s branches in Izghawa, Al Wakra, and Al Shamal, in addition to a men’s club. Ehsan is also preparing to open the Men’s Seniors’ Majlis in Katara to enrich the community activity system. These clubs have transformed into vibrant environments that combine recreation, empowerment, and social interaction, providing members with opportunities to engage in diverse activities that foster independence and strengthen their connections with their surroundings. During the previous season, Ehsan organised 477 activities, including 104 handicraft and skill-based workshops that highlighted the talents of seniors in arts and crafts, 197 awareness lectures covering social, health, family, and psychological issues, and 163 empowerment courses across various fields such as Holy Qur’an memorisation and recitation, e-learning, physical fitness, and others. These activities effectively contributed to enhancing members’ knowledge and refining their experiences. In addition, 13 trips and external visits were conducted, which offered enriching social and cultural experiences and strengthened community ties among the seniors. Ehsan’s partnerships with governmental and community institutions, including the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Museums, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Mada Centre, and Doha University of Science and Technology, have played a key role in the success, continuity, and diversity of these activities. Sheikha Ahmed al-Hareeb, acting director of Ehsan’s Awareness and Community Department, stressed that restarting the clubs with the new school year marks a fresh milestone to build on past achievements. She noted that the upcoming phase will feature more innovative initiatives tailored to the needs of seniors, supporting their sustainable integration into society. “Ehsan clubs have become platforms for empowerment and development,” she said. “Through them, we focus on several goals, most notably enabling seniors to carry out their daily activities independently, maintaining their physical and psychological well-being, activating their developmental role and benefiting from their experiences, as well as strengthening their integration with different segments of society and expanding partnerships with governmental and civil institutions to ensure sustainable services.” Ehsan offers membership in its clubs under certain conditions, including being 60 years old or above, whether citizens or expatriates with a valid residency permit. Applicants must provide a medical report confirming their health stability, in addition to completing the membership form and submitting the required documents via the centre’s website or by visiting its headquarters.