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The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
How Celtic's Green Brigade reignited sport's Israel-Palestine debate
Thousands of red cards are raised by fans in the North Curve section of the ground – home to Celtic ultras The Green Brigade – as well as a huge banner reading 'Show 'Israel' The Red Card'. Text on the back of the cards explains this is a call to support the Palestinian Football Association's attempts to have Israel suspended from FIFA and UEFA for breaches of their respective statutes. This is the Green Brigade's latest political action in support of Palestine and against the 19-month bombardment of the Gaza Strip. It will prove to be their most impactful. The red cards held aloft in the East End of Glasgow are the launch of a global campaign which has so far led to over 200 sim-ilar actions by ultras groups across 37 countries and six continents. The action may have seemed spontaneous but for the Green Brigade, this had been some time in the works and dates back to a trip to South Africa in 2024 that some of the members made with Lajee Celtic, a Palestinian football club established and supported by the group. 'Somebody in South Africa proposed that we do something to help give the existing Red Card Israel campaign a little bit more exposure,' a Green Brigade organiser told The Herald. 'It wasn't seen as the right timing for us to be doing it then. And then about a month prior to that game against Bayern Munich, we thought that things were sort of falling into place for it to not just be good timing for us to do it, but also good timing for groups of Ultras around the world to rally behind a united call. 'So we decided to do the action at the Bayern Munich match. As it was a Champions League game, we knew that any action at that match would reverberate around the world.' It's perhaps poignant that the origins of this Red Card Israel campaign are in South Africa. It's in this country that global sports boycotts played such a pivotal role in isolating the Apartheid regime and eventually dismantling the system of racial segregation which had existed there for decades. Susan Shalabi, vice-president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) is quick to draw the compar-ison with the Palestinian issue. 'Sporting boycotts were important when they were taken against the apartheid system in South Africa and they are important now to highlight the crimes of the Israeli regime. It takes time but we believe all of these actions will prove important in the long run.' At least 52,400 Palestinians have been killed and 118,014 wounded since the most recent Israeli assault began following the 7th October 2023 attacks. These numbers include nearly 400 footballers. One of the most notable of these being Mohammed Barakat, a striker who was nicknamed 'the Legend of Khan Younis' and was previously pictured in the green and white hoops of Celtic, just one symbol of the deep links between the people of Gaza and the Celtic support. Indeed, there was even a Khan Younis Celtic Supporters club founded in the Strip. That, along with the stadium where it was based, is now decimated. While Celtic fans may be leading the case for Palestine in the stands, Shalabi is leading the legal case to have Israel excluded from FIFA. In May last year, the PFA submitted the proposal to the governing body that the Israeli Football Association should face sanctions due to repeated violations of FIFA's statute, as well as the ongoing violations of human rights committed by the occupation in the West Bank and Gaza. The charge sheet is long, and includes the long-standing complaint that teams in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank are permitted to compete in the official Israeli football league. 'The Israeli Football Association has always functioned as a plastic surgeon for the ugliness of the occupation. It has always defended the occupation and tried to make it look better,' explained Shalabi from her office in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. 'There are a lot of Israeli Football Association officials who are involved in incitement to genocide. For example, the current president of the Israeli Football Association recently went to visit an Israeli Air Force base . This same Air Force is of course responsible for the genocide in Gaza, for the indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. And this guy, went in his capacity as the head of the Israeli Football Association, to support the acts of genocide that this military is doing against the people of Gaza. So whether we like it or not, that context of what's happening in Gaza is intermixed and intertwined with the football aspect.' Of course for the Green Brigade's part, political expression at the football stadium is a core tenet of the group's identity. The Palestinian issue has been central to that, particularly since a 2016 tie against the Israeli team Hapoel Be'er Sheva. A Palestine display at that match led to a fine from UEFA and a subsequent campaign launched by the group raised over £176,000 which was used to set up the Lajee Celtic football team in Aida Refugee Camp in the West Bank. The group did not receive a fine from UEFA for the Red Card display against Bayern Munich, perhaps signalling a shift in policy from the governing body. But it did lead to a further episode in the long-running, fraught relationship with the hierarchy of the club itself. Although not directly specified, it was widely believed Celtic were referring to the banner in a statement released shortly after it, which read: 'Unfortunately, there have been instances in the past weeks…. with unauthorised banners, which had not been submitted for pre-approval in line with the protocol, displayed at Celtic Park.' The club has not allowed any 'tifo' displays in the stadium since. Celtic fans unveil a banner which reads 'show Israel the red card' during the Champions League match between Celtic and Bayern Munich (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) Celtic know that the occupation of Palestine is an issue many fans – not just the Green Brigade – feel passionately about. But those in the Celtic boardroom have shown no desire to engage with the topic, despite how synonymous internationally it now is with the Celtic support. When the Palestinian management of Lajee Celtic visited Glasgow in December, the club ignored all requests to meet with them or offer any kind of welcome for them at the club. This is in stark contrast to how the club has engaged with other foreign supporters bases, such as the 'Thai Tims' who were welcomed on to the pitch at Celtic Park. Or how the club has taken a clear stance on showing support and solidarity with other victims of the conflict, such as those from Ukraine. Read more: Green Brigade defy Celtic Park tifo ban with 'out of touch' blast Stephen McGowan: Is Dermot Desmond absentee landlord or Celtic mastermind? It is an awkward position for the club to hold. There is a sense that they are hesitant to make any signal which might suggest that the Green Brigade have had a point all along when it comes to Palestine. As for the ultras group, they believe there is a clear hypocrisy when it comes to what politics are seen as acceptable or not within the football stadia. 'When anybody, whether it be FIFA or Celtic, tells you that politics has no place in football, it's just bulls***. What they're telling you is that they will decide politics. The Russian example is the perfect demonstration of that. When the war in Ukraine broke out, Russia was removed from competition almost immediately and there were displays of support and solidarity for Ukraine across all of European football. This was a directive from UEFA. The contrast with Palestine is unbeliev-able and I think that could only be put down to racism.' The Green Brigade's track record on the issue meant that they were uniquely positioned to lead when it came to the Red Card Israel campaign. Through networks developed over many years, they managed to spark action from groups across so many countries, including fans of teams at top-flight clubs like Sevilla, Corinthians, Empoli, Galatasaray, and even fellow Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian. By their very nature, football Ultras are tribal groups, often suspicious and hostile towards each other. For Martino Simcik, an expert on global fan culture and co-founder of football Ultras series Mentalita, a unique set of circumstances led to success of the Red Card campaign across Ultras groups worldwide – with the Green Brigade at the fore. 'The Green Brigade were always going to play a leading role in the campaign because the group has the most experience in discussing anti-imperial and anti-colonial experiences. It's like it's so directly tied to the identity of the Green Brigade in a way that it's not for other ultra groups. 'There's nothing really ever that's been able to bring supporters together like this. It's very rare that there's a campaign which concerns all of the different ultras. Like, how often do you find something that everyone finds a consensus on? A consensus that overrides existing rivalries? With Palestine, everyone is so aware of how Israel's violence is used, specifically targeting the reality of football. It's so clear that in the hypocrisy of like, what's allowed to be said and what's not allowed to be said, there's this huge elephant in the room' he told The Herald. Of course, this campaign is not the first time that the Green Brigade have caused headlines. Indeed, there would be pages to fill in the Scottish press on a weekly basis if the group were to ever disband. But this time, the message went far beyond Scotland in a way that even the group itself didn't expect. 'I would say it's far more successful than we ever imagined,' the Green Brigade organiser told the Herald. ' I can remember sort of sitting in a room discussing this idea and we thought that just us doing our action would certainly grab headlines and get a lot of attention. We said at the time, even if we were able to get, say, 10 other similar actions happening across the world, then it's been worthwhile. But there's been over 200, some of them have been very big in football stadiums, which have been hosting thousands of people and then the TV audiences which means millions across the world see it.' Among the millions to see the banners were the targets of the campaign – the Israeli Football Association. 'We encounter quite a few incidents of ignorance, self-righteousness, and abysmal hatred that ostensibly express protest. The facts and reality are well known to us and to many others, and no stupid sign will change them,' the IFA said in a statement. But for Palestinians, the 'stupid signs' held up at Celtic Park seem to resonate far greater than anyone could imagine. 'I think all these campaigns tell the Palestinian people that they are not forgotten,' says Susan Shalabi. 'You know, even in Gaza where the people are being massacred, they know what Celtic is. Ask a Gazan child, and he will tell you what Celtic is. People are appreciative of what Celtic fans and the Green Brigade are doing for them because such actions give people hope that humanity didn't die out yet.' As the bonds between Celtic fans and Palestine continue to grow ever deeper, the position of the club to ignore it and pretend the connection doesn't exist seems untenable. In Palestinian football circles, the hope is to organise a friendly match between Celtic and the Palestinian National Team with proceeds going to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Shalabi says the offer will always be open. 'When Celtic are ready to play, then let's plan it. We would love to make it happen.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
How Celtic's Green Brigade reignited sport's Israel-Palestine debate
This is the Green Brigade's latest political action in support of Palestine and against the 19-month bombardment of the Gaza Strip. It will prove to be their most impactful. The red cards held aloft in the East End of Glasgow are the launch of a global campaign which has so far led to over 200 sim-ilar actions by ultras groups across 37 countries and six continents. The action may have seemed spontaneous but for the Green Brigade, this had been some time in the works and dates back to a trip to South Africa in 2024 that some of the members made with Lajee Celtic, a Palestinian football club established and supported by the group. 'Somebody in South Africa proposed that we do something to help give the existing Red Card Israel campaign a little bit more exposure,' a Green Brigade organiser told The Herald. 'It wasn't seen as the right timing for us to be doing it then. And then about a month prior to that game against Bayern Munich, we thought that things were sort of falling into place for it to not just be good timing for us to do it, but also good timing for groups of Ultras around the world to rally behind a united call. 'So we decided to do the action at the Bayern Munich match. As it was a Champions League game, we knew that any action at that match would reverberate around the world.' It's perhaps poignant that the origins of this Red Card Israel campaign are in South Africa. It's in this country that global sports boycotts played such a pivotal role in isolating the Apartheid regime and eventually dismantling the system of racial segregation which had existed there for decades. Susan Shalabi, vice-president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) is quick to draw the compar-ison with the Palestinian issue. 'Sporting boycotts were important when they were taken against the apartheid system in South Africa and they are important now to highlight the crimes of the Israeli regime. It takes time but we believe all of these actions will prove important in the long run.' At least 52,400 Palestinians have been killed and 118,014 wounded since the most recent Israeli assault began following the 7th October 2023 attacks. These numbers include nearly 400 footballers. One of the most notable of these being Mohammed Barakat, a striker who was nicknamed 'the Legend of Khan Younis' and was previously pictured in the green and white hoops of Celtic, just one symbol of the deep links between the people of Gaza and the Celtic support. Indeed, there was even a Khan Younis Celtic Supporters club founded in the Strip. That, along with the stadium where it was based, is now decimated. While Celtic fans may be leading the case for Palestine in the stands, Shalabi is leading the legal case to have Israel excluded from FIFA. In May last year, the PFA submitted the proposal to the governing body that the Israeli Football Association should face sanctions due to repeated violations of FIFA's statute, as well as the ongoing violations of human rights committed by the occupation in the West Bank and Gaza. The charge sheet is long, and includes the long-standing complaint that teams in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank are permitted to compete in the official Israeli football league. 'The Israeli Football Association has always functioned as a plastic surgeon for the ugliness of the occupation. It has always defended the occupation and tried to make it look better,' explained Shalabi from her office in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. 'There are a lot of Israeli Football Association officials who are involved in incitement to genocide. For example, the current president of the Israeli Football Association recently went to visit an Israeli Air Force base . This same Air Force is of course responsible for the genocide in Gaza, for the indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. And this guy, went in his capacity as the head of the Israeli Football Association, to support the acts of genocide that this military is doing against the people of Gaza. So whether we like it or not, that context of what's happening in Gaza is intermixed and intertwined with the football aspect.' Of course for the Green Brigade's part, political expression at the football stadium is a core tenet of the group's identity. The Palestinian issue has been central to that, particularly since a 2016 tie against the Israeli team Hapoel Be'er Sheva. A Palestine display at that match led to a fine from UEFA and a subsequent campaign launched by the group raised over £176,000 which was used to set up the Lajee Celtic football team in Aida Refugee Camp in the West Bank. The group did not receive a fine from UEFA for the Red Card display against Bayern Munich, perhaps signalling a shift in policy from the governing body. But it did lead to a further episode in the long-running, fraught relationship with the hierarchy of the club itself. Although not directly specified, it was widely believed Celtic were referring to the banner in a statement released shortly after it, which read: 'Unfortunately, there have been instances in the past weeks…. with unauthorised banners, which had not been submitted for pre-approval in line with the protocol, displayed at Celtic Park.' The club has not allowed any 'tifo' displays in the stadium since. Celtic fans unveil a banner which reads 'show Israel the red card' during the Champions League match between Celtic and Bayern Munich (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) Celtic know that the occupation of Palestine is an issue many fans – not just the Green Brigade – feel passionately about. But those in the Celtic boardroom have shown no desire to engage with the topic, despite how synonymous internationally it now is with the Celtic support. When the Palestinian management of Lajee Celtic visited Glasgow in December, the club ignored all requests to meet with them or offer any kind of welcome for them at the club. This is in stark contrast to how the club has engaged with other foreign supporters bases, such as the 'Thai Tims' who were welcomed on to the pitch at Celtic Park. Or how the club has taken a clear stance on showing support and solidarity with other victims of the conflict, such as those from Ukraine. Read more: Green Brigade defy Celtic Park tifo ban with 'out of touch' blast Stephen McGowan: Is Dermot Desmond absentee landlord or Celtic mastermind? It is an awkward position for the club to hold. There is a sense that they are hesitant to make any signal which might suggest that the Green Brigade have had a point all along when it comes to Palestine. As for the ultras group, they believe there is a clear hypocrisy when it comes to what politics are seen as acceptable or not within the football stadia. 'When anybody, whether it be FIFA or Celtic, tells you that politics has no place in football, it's just bulls***. What they're telling you is that they will decide politics. The Russian example is the perfect demonstration of that. When the war in Ukraine broke out, Russia was removed from competition almost immediately and there were displays of support and solidarity for Ukraine across all of European football. This was a directive from UEFA. The contrast with Palestine is unbeliev-able and I think that could only be put down to racism.' The Green Brigade's track record on the issue meant that they were uniquely positioned to lead when it came to the Red Card Israel campaign. Through networks developed over many years, they managed to spark action from groups across so many countries, including fans of teams at top-flight clubs like Sevilla, Corinthians, Empoli, Galatasaray, and even fellow Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian. By their very nature, football Ultras are tribal groups, often suspicious and hostile towards each other. For Martino Simcik, an expert on global fan culture and co-founder of football Ultras series Mentalita, a unique set of circumstances led to success of the Red Card campaign across Ultras groups worldwide – with the Green Brigade at the fore. 'The Green Brigade were always going to play a leading role in the campaign because the group has the most experience in discussing anti-imperial and anti-colonial experiences. It's like it's so directly tied to the identity of the Green Brigade in a way that it's not for other ultra groups. 'There's nothing really ever that's been able to bring supporters together like this. It's very rare that there's a campaign which concerns all of the different ultras. Like, how often do you find something that everyone finds a consensus on? A consensus that overrides existing rivalries? With Palestine, everyone is so aware of how Israel's violence is used, specifically targeting the reality of football. It's so clear that in the hypocrisy of like, what's allowed to be said and what's not allowed to be said, there's this huge elephant in the room' he told The Herald. Of course, this campaign is not the first time that the Green Brigade have caused headlines. Indeed, there would be pages to fill in the Scottish press on a weekly basis if the group were to ever disband. But this time, the message went far beyond Scotland in a way that even the group itself didn't expect. 'I would say it's far more successful than we ever imagined,' the Green Brigade organiser told the Herald. ' I can remember sort of sitting in a room discussing this idea and we thought that just us doing our action would certainly grab headlines and get a lot of attention. We said at the time, even if we were able to get, say, 10 other similar actions happening across the world, then it's been worthwhile. But there's been over 200, some of them have been very big in football stadiums, which have been hosting thousands of people and then the TV audiences which means millions across the world see it.' Among the millions to see the banners were the targets of the campaign – the Israeli Football Association. 'We encounter quite a few incidents of ignorance, self-righteousness, and abysmal hatred that ostensibly express protest. The facts and reality are well known to us and to many others, and no stupid sign will change them,' the IFA said in a statement. But for Palestinians, the 'stupid signs' held up at Celtic Park seem to resonate far greater than anyone could imagine. 'I think all these campaigns tell the Palestinian people that they are not forgotten,' says Susan Shalabi. 'You know, even in Gaza where the people are being massacred, they know what Celtic is. Ask a Gazan child, and he will tell you what Celtic is. People are appreciative of what Celtic fans and the Green Brigade are doing for them because such actions give people hope that humanity didn't die out yet.' As the bonds between Celtic fans and Palestine continue to grow ever deeper, the position of the club to ignore it and pretend the connection doesn't exist seems untenable. In Palestinian football circles, the hope is to organise a friendly match between Celtic and the Palestinian National Team with proceeds going to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Shalabi says the offer will always be open. 'When Celtic are ready to play, then let's plan it. We would love to make it happen.'
Arab Times
17-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Warba Bank Sponsors the Recycling Art Exhibition by HEI Schools Kuwait at The Avenues
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 17: In a commitment to empower children with sustainability knowledge, HEI Schools concluded the Recycling Art Exhibition at The Avenues, with Warba Bank as the official sponsor. The sponsorship comes as part of the bank's commitment to social responsibility and supporting impactful educational and environmental programs. The exhibition aimed at encouraging children to adopt eco-friendly habits and engage in artistic activities that creatively reinforce sustainability concepts, fostering environmental awareness and long-term sustainable practices. Held from February 9 to 15, opposite The Cheesecake Factory restaurant, the exhibition focused on four main objectives. First, it aimed to educate and inspire children by engaging them in hands-on experiences with recycling and artistic expression, fostering their understanding of sustainability principles. Additionally, the exhibition sought to raise environmental awareness by actively involving the community and encouraging collective responsibility in preserving the environment. By fostering creativity, the exhibition encouraged children to explore innovative ways to express their understanding of sustainability and the protection of natural resources. It also aimed to promote social responsibility by providing companies and institutions with a platform to engage with sustainability initiatives, both locally and globally, fostering collaboration and unifying efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals. A Shared Vision for Environmental Awareness Warba Bank's sponsorship reflects its commitment to collaborating with institutions that share its vision of nurturing an empowered, creative, and socially and environmentally responsible generation. Its social responsibility strategy focuses on launching and supporting community initiatives and programs that promote technological innovation, professional creativity, and environmental awareness, all in alignment with its ethical values and Islamic principles. Warba Bank's social responsibility strategy aligns with the vision of HEI Schools Kuwait, which aims to instill environmental awareness and social responsibility in children. The schools organize educational programs that address global challenges while reinforcing sustainability concepts through interactive and creative methods, reflecting the shared principles of both institutions. Dr. Mohammed Barakat, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Warba Bank, expressed the bank's pride in its ongoing role in supporting community initiatives, particularly those benefiting children and youth. He stated: 'At Warba Bank, we believe in equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more sustainable world. Our comprehensive approach aligns with global sustainability goals, ensuring that our initiatives contribute meaningfully to society's aspirations.' Dr. Barakat emphasized that adopting the best environmental and social practices is not only in line with the bank's values but also serves as a strategic path for business continuity and long-term growth. He added: 'Our sponsorship of the Recycling Art Exhibition reflects our commitment to supporting educational and environmental initiatives that shape the future of our society. We are pleased to collaborate with Hey Schools Kuwait on this initiative, which aligns with our vision, 'We Hear You, Let's Own Tomorrow.' Together, we aim to inspire future generations, drive sustainable growth, and build a promising tomorrow.' The Avenues Supporting Community Initiatives The Avenues management stated that hosting the Recycling Art Exhibition for HEI Schools Kuwait aligns with its commitment to sustainability. The initiative reflects its dedication to raising awareness and promoting long-term sustainable practices that positively impact society and encourage environmentally friendly behaviors. The management commented: 'The Avenues contributed to this exhibition by providing 18,700 pieces of plastic materials repurposed from its daily operations. These materials were creatively transformed by children into artworks showcased at the exhibition. The event focused on several key objectives for children, including educating them on sustainability practices, raising their environmental awareness, and encouraging critical and creative thinking while reinforcing their understanding of social responsibility.' The Avenues is the premier destination for shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle, and serves as the ideal venue to showcase the works of participating students to its diverse visitors, who represent a significant segment of society. The Avenues management expressed its appreciation for the collaboration with Warba Bank, through its sponsorship of the exhibition, and with the management of HEI Schools Kuwait. This partnership resulted in a significant community initiative, the Art Recycling Exhibition. The management further emphasized The Avenues' commitment to supporting initiatives that enrich society with positive practices and promote community awareness. Investing in Educating Generations The founders of HEI Schools Kuwait, Aisha and Hind Al-Sanad, emphasized that the exhibition aims to promote environmental awareness among children by utilizing the arts as an effective educational tool. They explained that the exhibition was not merely a space to showcase children's artwork made from recycled materials but also a platform to integrate sustainability concepts into education in an engaging and interactive manner. They further highlighted that sustainability is a core value at HEI Schools, seamlessly embedded into the educational curriculum to ensure it becomes an integral part of children's daily learning experience. HEI Schools were built on the renowned Finnish educational model, recognized as one of the world's leading education systems, and known for its emphasis on interactive and creative learning. The schools aim to cultivate a conscious and responsible generation through comprehensive educational programs that cater to the individual needs of children while instilling the principles of innovation, critical thinking and social responsibility. Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into various activities and initiatives, making it an essential part of the learning experience. Aisha and Hind Al-Sand expressed their pride in the collaboration and extended their gratitude to Warba Bank for being the main sponsor of the event and for its invaluable support of the initiative. They also thanked The Avenues for hosting the exhibition and for its key role in providing plastic materials that fueled the children's creativity in their artistic works. Additionally, they conveyed their appreciation to Alarfaj Holding for its significant contribution in supplying plastic materials and actively participating in the workshops, where the company's team helped educate children about sustainability through an engaging and interactive approach. Aisha and Hind Al-Sanad also extended their gratitude to the companies and institutions that played a pivotal role in the event's success, including Kuwait Sailing School, Athar Unity, Dr. Ghassan Al-Othman, Lina Hijazi, and the Scientific Center. Each contributed by providing renowned experts and organizing workshops, where these specialists shared their knowledge and experiences with participants. These initiatives aimed to instill sustainability principles in children and deepen younger generations' understanding of environmental preservation. They emphasized that this fruitful collaboration reflects the shared commitment of all parties to advancing sustainable development goals and building a better future for generations to come. A Firm Commitment to the Community Warba Bank is one of the leading Islamic banks that has achieved remarkable success in a short period by focusing on innovative digital banking services for individuals and businesses. It is also one of the local banks with the largest number of shareholders, strengthening its close ties with all segments of society. This success underscores the bank's continuous commitment to building a financial future that aligns with customers' aspirations while balancing tradition with a forward-looking vision. Warba Bank remains dedicated to supporting cultural and educational initiatives that contribute to a brighter tomorrow, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility and its role in enriching the local community through innovation and environmental awareness. About The Avenues Since its opening in 2007, The Avenues has set the standard for modern architectural design, becoming Kuwait's premier destination for shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle. As the largest retail and leisure complex in Kuwait and the region, The Avenues features 12 distinct areas inspired by both modern and classic architectural styles, including First Avenue, Second Avenue, Prestige, Grand Avenue, Soko, The Mall, The Market, Arcades, Grand Plaza, Electra, The Forum, and The Gardens. Hosting a diverse range of international and local brands, as well as an extensive selection of dining options, The Avenues offers visitors a unique and immersive shopping and entertainment experience. Shared Mission and Goals HEI Schools believe that education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing the development of social and environmental awareness in children. The schools aim to inspire the next generation to become future leaders within their communities. Through its partnership with Warba Bank, Hey Schools seeks to create a positive and sustainable impact, aligning with Kuwait's vision for sustainable development. Over the past months, children have taken part in intensive workshops led by sustainability experts and renowned artists. These sessions provided them with the opportunity to repurpose discarded materials into creative artworks that reflect their understanding of sustainability principles. The exhibition was preceded by a series of in-depth workshops conducted during October and November, where children engaged with sustainability specialists and prominent artists. These unique creations are now showcased as part of the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of integrating art with education to foster environmental awareness and cultivate creative thinking skills among younger generations.
