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The American School of Doha (ASD) hosted its fourth annual Sing Out Primary Choral Festival recently, bringing together young singers from schools across Qatar for a day of music, unity, and celebration.This year’s festival highlighted the power of collective singing as one voice and the joy that comes from making music together, a statement saidThe festival showcased mass choir performances conducted and led by Brita Fray, featuring over 300 students from Doha English Speaking School, Al Khor International School, Park House English School, Dukhan English School, Qatar International School, GEMS Wellington School, and the American School of Doha.Supporting them were ASD Lower and Upper Elementary music teachers Sanae Yamaura, Jennie Andreasen, and Lisa Cheung. Guided by their dedicated music educators, students filled the theatre with uplifting choral repertoire that reflected collaboration, harmony, unity, and shared purpose.The event also featured an ensemble of guest musicians whose artistry elevated the performances and added vibrant energy to the festival.The event was supported by ASD's administration comprising director Dr Victor Guthrie; Upper Elementary School principal Brian Donaldson; Upper Elementary associate principal Selina Peay-Collins; Lower Elementary principal Craig Campbell; Lower Elementary associate principal Abigail Kasky; and associate director of athletics and activities Trent Howell. 

315 pupils and staff thought to have been taken on FridayAttack is one of worst mass kidnappings in NigeriaMore than 300 children and staff are thought to have been abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria this week, one of the worst mass kidnappings ever recorded there. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said Saturday it had raised its estimate of those taken from St Mary's School in Niger state on Friday to 315 from an earlier estimate of 227 following a "verification exercise". "This now makes it 303 students (and) ... 12 teachers, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 315," it said in a statement, adding the new figure included 88 students who had been captured as they tried to escape.The kidnapping comes amid a surge of attacks by armed groups and insurgents in Nigeria, which has been under heightened scrutiny since US President Donald Trump threatened military action this month over the treatment of Christians.If confirmed, the revised number of people taken at the school would exceed the 276 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram militants in Chibok in 2014. The Niger state government said on Friday the school had ignored an instruction that boarding schools should be closed because of intelligence indicating a high chance of attacks.But Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the CAN chairman in Niger, said no such warning had been issued after travelling to the school on Friday night. "We are working with the government and security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely," he said in the CAN statement. The central government has ordered nearly 50 federal colleges to close and public schools in some states have also been shut.Friday's mass kidnapping was the third such incident in Nigeria this week alone. On Monday, 25 schoolgirls were taken from a boarding school in Kebbi state, while on Wednesday 38 worshippers were taken by gunmen in an attack on a church in Kwara state.A senior US State Department official said on Thursday the US was considering actions such as sanctions and Pentagon engagement on counterterrorism as part of a plan to compel the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities and religious freedom. Nigeria says claims that Christians face persecution misrepresent a complex security situation and do not take into account efforts to safeguard religious freedom.

Qatar Charity has received donations from two companies to support the Second Assalam School, which serves children deprived of formal education. The contributions, part of ABB Qatar’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, focus on education as a key driver of sustainable development, aimed at providing an inclusive environment for disadvantaged students to succeed academically.Ali Ibrahem al-Greeb, Resource Development manager at Qatar Charity, noted that the contributions reflect ABB Qatar’s commitment to empowering students from low-income families. He emphasised that the support would make a tangible difference in creating a stimulating educational environment at the school, and reaffirmed Qatar Charity’s readiness to welcome further contributions from public and private entities to support students in need.Ala Amr, Electrification Commercial leader and Electrification Distribution Solutions Division manager, at ABB Qatar, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community service, highlighting education as the cornerstone of building societies.He explained that the donation reflects ABB Qatar’s belief in the power of support to create a positive impact on students and their families. Amr commended Qatar Charity and the school administration for their efforts and expressed ABB Qatar’s aspiration to strengthen this partnership in ways that serve the local community and advance sustainable development goals. Maryam al-Awadi, principal of the Second Assalam School, hailed Qatar Charity as the school’s main supporter, highlighting its ongoing involvement in both funding and activities.**media[384954]**She noted that the partnership enriches the learning environment and helps students connect with the community, driving their academic and personal growth. Similarly, Qatar Charity received contributions from Jotun Paints Qatar, as part of its broader commitment to supporting its local communities, with a particular focus on education as a foundation for sustainable development.The support aims to create an inclusive learning environment that enables students from disadvantaged backgrounds to excel academically and overcome educational challenges. Amer Mohammad al-Besiri, head of the Collection at Qatar Charity, praised the contributions, noting they reflect the company’s commitment to empowering students from low-income families.He noted that “education is the foundation of human development,” reaffirming Qatar Charity’s readiness to welcome contributions from public and private entities to support students in need and achieve noble humanitarian goals. Rahul Deshmukh, Human Resources manager at Jotun Paints Qatar, stated that supporting the school reflects the company’s longstanding belief that access to education contributes to stronger and more resilient communities.Deshmukh lauded Qatar Charity’s role in expanding educational opportunities and expressed Jotun’s eagerness to continue collaborating on initiatives that benefit society and promote sustainability. It is worth noting that Qatar Charity consistently supports Assalam schools by funding operations, providing school supplies, and organising enrichment activities, ensuring a stimulating educational environment for students from low-income families.

Qatar Charity (QC), through the support of donors in the country, has distributed 45,000 school bags to children in Gaza as part of its campaign 'Labbeh Gaza: Commitment and Solidarity'.The project, titled “Back to Class,” also focuses on rehabilitating damaged classrooms to create a safe learning environment and offering incentives to teachers to improve their living conditions.Some 25% of the targeted classrooms have been completed out of a total of 60 scheduled for rehabilitation, and the next phase will see the distribution of teacher incentives. Ultimately, thousands of students and educators are expected to benefit from this project.According to international estimates, more than 650,000 children in Gaza remain deprived of their basic right to education. Reports from Unicef and UNRWA reveal that 95% of schools in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving nearly 500 out of 564 schools unusable.QC continues its humanitarian interventions in Gaza. Recently, it delivered shelter tents and essential supplies through the Qatari humanitarian bridge via Rafah crossing.Under the same campaign, it has distributed 26,000 food baskets benefiting 130,000 displaced people and is steadily supplying 2.4mn litres of safe drinking water across various areas of Gaza.QC continues to urge donors to support its ongoing 'Labbeh Gaza' campaign. Contributions can be made via the organisation’s website and mobile app, through its home collection service, by dialing 44290000, or by visiting its branches and representatives in commercial centres.

The Primary Health Care Corp (PHCC), through its "Asnani" School Oral Health Programme, successfully conducted medical screening for over 31,000 students across 152 schools, including 55 kindergartens and 97 primary schools, during the 2024-2025 academic year as part of a campaign for dental screening, education, and preventive treatment.Manager of the Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department at PHCC, Dr Najat Alyafei, said the results revealed very important figures, showing that tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems among children.The data showed that 68% of kindergarten children had caries in their baby teeth, while the rate rose to 79% among primary school students. The percentage of decay in permanent teeth among primary students reached 35%.The results also showed that 62% of kindergarten children had untreated caries, in addition to 29% of primary students having untreated decay in their permanent teeth.The screening further indicated that the average number of affected baby teeth among kindergarten children was about four teeth-three untreated, one filled, and very few missing.As for permanent teeth among primary students, the average was less than one affected tooth per child, which the World Health Organisation classifies as a low level of decay, indicating gradual improvement in oral health as children grow older.Dr Alyafei noted that caries rates increase significantly with grade level - from 8% in first grade to 59% in sixth grade - reflecting the accumulation of unhealthy dietary habits and delayed follow-ups at home or between annual school screenings.She called on parents and students to engage positively with the "Asnani School Programme", emphasising that it is more than an annual check-up; it is an investment in protecting children's teeth and therefore their overall health.

MES Indian School inaugurated Innovex - 2025, a science, mathematics, and art exhibition, at the Girls’ Section, alongside a Science Expo, at the Junior Section. The aim was to foster inquiry-based learning, creativity, and innovation among students across academic levels. University of Doha for Science and Technology faculty members Dr Salmiah Ahmad (Professor, Electrical Engineering Department - for Automation and Control Systems) and Dr Luay Hussein (Engineering professor, Mechanical Engineering) were the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively. MES founder member Mohammad Ali K P and other members of the school governing board were present. Dr Ahmad inspired the young minds to remain bold in their thinking and proactive in their pursuit of scientific discovery so as to thrive in the ever-evolving world of science and technology. Students must nurture curiosity, embrace change, and think beyond the ordinary, she advised. There was an array of over 2,000 exhibits across four categories, featuring working models, and artistic expressions. In the Junior Section, a total of 64 classrooms were transformed into innovation hubs, where students displayed their projects. Earlier, head girl Hadiya Hashim welcomed the gathering. Lia Rolland and Ayesha Nidhal from the Department of Chemistry, co-ordinated the event.

The 51st Annual Athletic Meet at MES Indian School had renowned sprinter Femi Seun Ogunode as the chief guest at the opening ceremony. In his keynote address, he emphasised the importance of commitment and dedication in sports. Badarudhin Gulam Mohiyuddin, director of sports, MES Governing Board and a guest of honour, officially declared the meet open. Mustafa Raafat Habib was the other guest of honour. The ceremony commenced with the march past, oath-taking, and the Olympic torch run. The sports oath was administered by sports captain Adnan Ashraf. The opening ceremony also featured special cultural and thematic performances by students from the Girls’, Junior, and Boys’ sections. The ‘Wings of Wonder’ welcome dance was presented by the Girls’ Section under the guidance of Mariam Sameer. The ‘Flex Beat’ display by the Boys’ Section was led by Binoy K K, and the ‘Little Umbrella, Little Feet’ dance by the Junior Section directed by Reshma C A. Salim J Nadaf, co-ordinator, of the Department of Physical Education, co-ordinated the meet in collaboration with faculty members. Head prefect Nimisha Liz Abraham welcomed the gathering and head boy Kamaal Bhadran proposed a vote of thanks. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated all participants and winners, and appreciated the efforts of the Physical Education Department, teachers, and student volunteers.

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.