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Qatar Tribune
9 hours ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Over 600 students attend QF's ‘Mukayyamna' camp
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education has concluded the summer edition of its 'Mukayyamna' programme, which brought together over 600 students from both QF schools and various schools across the country for an enriching experience that combined learning, interaction and entertainment. The Mukayyamna camp is an annual platform designed to empower students beyond the traditional classroom. It offers programmes focused on developing skills in sports, sustainability, arts, music and leadership, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and community engagement. Commenting on the programme, Rodha Al-Saadi, the head of community engagement at the student affairs and Community Engagement Department under QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'Mukayyamna is a practical extension of the vision of QF's PUE. Through this camp, we aim to nurture well-rounded, conscious individuals who are capable of making a positive impact on their community.' Al-Saadi explained that the design of the camp's activities begins with analysing students' interests and needs, based on feedback and surveys from students, parents and teachers. A comprehensive plan is then developed to cover a variety of areas, ensuring inclusivity across all age groups and ability levels. Al-Saadi continued: 'The activities are designed to strike a balance between fun and learning, fostering skills such as leadership, communication, physical activity, critical thinking, teamwork, and self-discipline. Some activities also incorporate financial literacy, which enhances academic development in a non-traditional way. 'We are committed to ensuring that all our activities are rooted in experiential learning, with each activity linked to clear learning outcomes and practical life skills. We also conduct regular assessments to measure how well students have acquired these skills and how they relate to their future academic and personal goals. 'The camp provides students with opportunities to apply what they learn academically in real-life settings, reinforcing values such as responsibility, initiative, and teamwork. Activities place students in situations that require decision-making, taking responsibility, and dealing with real-life challenges, fostering independence and resilience. The camp also includes awareness and community programmes that encourage students to think beyond themselves and engage with issues affecting the world around them.' Al-Saadi noted that although the camp was primarily designed for QF students, deliberate efforts were made to involve students from other schools across the country. This approach aimed to broaden the programme's social impact, promote inclusivity, and encourage the exchange of educational experiences. 'We aspire for the camp to serve as a platform that equips students to carry what they've learned into their homes and communities, whether through positive behaviours or community initiatives. Our goal is to strengthen the connection between families, schools, and society, where parents can witness real growth in their children's character and confidence.'
Qatar Tribune
30-07-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QF recognises ability friendly program participants, families
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education Ability Friendly Program hosted its annual Recognition Awards Ceremony to honour the achievements of its participants and acknowledge the vital role their families play in providing continuous support throughout the year. Nigel D'Souza, events coordinator at Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE) Ability Friendly Program, emphasized that the event goes beyond simply presenting awards. It seeks to foster a sense of belonging, enhance self-confidence, and strengthen the bonds between participants and their families – reflecting the program's deeply rooted social and human-centred values. 'The annual recognition awards serve as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, hard work, and achievements of our participants and their families throughout the year. 'More than just a formal recognition, the event highlights the essential role parents play in supporting and accompanying their children across various activities,' D'Souza explained. 'Through this recognition, we aim to ensure that every participant feels valued and understands the importance of their role within our community.' He added: 'The moment they walk onto the stage to receive their medal is a true point of pride – for them and their families. 'Beyond the awards, the ceremony helps foster a sense of belonging and offers a valuable opportunity for social interaction and connection among participants, especially those who may not regularly experience such inclusive gatherings. For many, this event is one of the most anticipated and meaningful moments of the year.' D'Souza noted that in recent years, many participants have shown remarkable positive growth. 'One inspiring example is a group of students who took part in our winter camp for the first time last year,' he said. According to the families, just one week of participation led to noticeable improvements in their energy levels, social engagement, and involvement in other after-school activities. 'Stories like these highlight that the program's impact goes far beyond sports or learning – it reaches into participants' self-confidence, social behaviour, and overall quality of life.' He added that the program also fosters a strong sense of community, with participants developing meaningful friendships that extend beyond the sessions, while families build closer relationships through shared experiences and continued engagement. He concluded by emphasising the role of families: 'Families play a fundamental role in the development of their children's abilities – whether through direct participation or moral support. 'Their consistent presence helps reinforce the behaviours and values our coaches strive to instil, ensuring the program's impact extends beyond the sessions and into the home.'
Qatar Tribune
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Fitness, fun and innovation at Qatar Foundation's Ladies Night
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Ladies Night at Education City Stadium returns this July with exciting new additions, including a dedicated STEM Zone spotlighting sports, health, fitness, and innovation. And, for the first time, all classes will be free for attendees. Attracting over 1,000 women and girls to each event, Qatar Foundation's (QF) Ladies Night continues to provide a welcoming space to get active, try a new sport or activity, and connect with others. Each event is open to women and girls aged 6 and above, and they take place every Tuesday in July from 6-10pm at the Education City Stadium, which has become a dedicated hub for women's and girls' sports. A wide range of fitness classes and sports will be on offer – including Zumba, basketball, volleyball, and football – alongside the chance to experience sports such as fencing and archery. And in a new addition to Ladies Night, a dedicated STEM Zone will feature activities by QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, STEM Xplorers, and Knowledge Kingdom that include robotics football, an interactive football VR simulation, and GAITRite technology. Regular attendee Nour Tabet shared why she enjoys QF's Ladies Nights, saying: 'I love the atmosphere, and I love the aspect of working out in the outdoors. It's fresh air – it gives you a balance between the openness of the outdoors and a bit of greenery. 'The community energy is also different at these events. It's often not the same students as in the regular classes, which brings a unique sense of community bonding – and I love that. I really enjoy classes that you can share with other people, with other students.' 'And on Tuesdays, the convenience of an outdoor activity – especially in the stadium – is great. Even though it's hot, because of the stadium's cooling system you don't feel the summer heat.' Ladies Night will be moving to a new location in August – offering a new experience for the community. More details will be shared soon. Those interested in being part of Ladies Night are encouraged to pre-register in advance at
Qatar Tribune
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QF empowers athletes with disabilities through inclusive football league
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's (QF) Ability Friendly Programme organised an inclusive football league for people with disabilities, offering a dynamic platform where athletes could compete in a supportive and empowering environment. The initiative aimed to showcase their talents, promote personal growth, and foster social inclusion through the power of sport. The event reflects QF's commitment to promoting diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for participation, and empowering all members of the community to help build a more inclusive future. It also aimed to highlight the importance of inclusive sports and raise public awareness of sports' role in supporting individual development and well-being. The league saw participation from several specialised centres and institutions, including the Ability Friendly Programme, Renad Academy, Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing (QISH), Texas Center for People with Disabilities, Special Olympics Qatar, Happy World Center, Shafallah Center, The Hemm Center for People with Special Needs, and Afaq Primary Private School. The Ability Friendly Programme under QF's Pre-University Education offers sport-specific activities for children and adults with disabilities, providing sports and developmental activities including specialized camps and football and swimming classes. Dr Mohamed Abu Lbdeh, father of 10-year-old Tamim Abu Lbdeh, who participated in the tournament and accompanied his son throughout the event, said: 'From the very first day, I felt a deep sense of happiness seeing my son take part in this tournament, not just for the chance to compete, but because it plays a vital role in helping children discover and develop their abilities. 'I encourage all parents to actively support their children in engaging with opportunities like this. These experiences have a profoundly positive impact on a child's emotional and behavioral development. They offer a powerful outlet for self-expression and play a key role in building confidence and resilience.' Dr Abu Lbdeh emphasised that children with autism often possess tremendous energy, and it is crucial to channel that energy through structured, meaningful activities that promote both expression and social engagement. He explained that his son has been participating in the Ability Friendly Programme for over three years, taking part in various activities beyond football, including swimming and horse riding. 'These experiences have been instrumental in his growth, helping him develop practical skills and boosting his self-confidence,' he said. 'I've witnessed a remarkable transformation in my son's behavior. He's become more engaged with his peers and is gradually adapting to group play and collaborative activities, something that used to be a significant challenge.' Dr Abu Lbdeh highlighted the unique impact of combining recreational and therapeutic elements in programmes like this: 'They help children feel more included and confident, while also offering healthy alternatives to isolation and screen dependency. 'Every child, regardless of ability, has their own unique strengths. What matters most is creating environments that allow those abilities to emerge, often in the simplest moments during play or interaction. The real value of these experiences lies not in winning, but in participation, in giving children the opportunity to grow, express themselves, and build meaningful connections.' Asmaa Hassan, mother of nine-year-old Khalifa, reflected on the tournament experience by saying: 'My son participated in several matches and even reached the final, which was a proud moment. More importantly, the experience brought a positive shift in his behaviour and how he engages with others. 'Children with autism benefit immensely from opportunities like these. They help develop communication skills, break down social barriers, and encourage healthy relationships within their surroundings.' Hassan explained that the benefits of the tournament extend beyond sports: 'My son used to struggle with sharing or coping with the idea of losing. But through the matches and consistent training, he's become more flexible and open to new experiences. 'I hope these kinds of activities can be offered more regularly. They provide children with ongoing opportunities for development, help build confidence, and allow them to form friendships beyond the traditional classroom setting.''
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QF integrates chess into schools to foster strategic thinking among students
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, in collaboration with the Qatar Chess Federation, organized the Qatar Foundation Schools Chess Tournament with the aim of integrating chess into the educational activities of its schools. As part of a strategic partnership, a series of initiatives were introduced. These efforts led to the establishment of 11 chess clubs across Qatar Foundation (QF) schools, providing students with regular opportunities for training and practice, and contributing to the development of their strategic thinking, focus, and self-discipline. Abdulla Shaheen Al-Kaabi, head of Sports Affairs at QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'The agreement signed in this context is not merely a temporary collaboration, but a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the presence of chess in the educational environment. Our goal is to identify talented students who can be nurtured to represent Qatar in international competitions, contributing to the advancement of sports in the country.' Al-Kaabi explained that the integration of chess into QF schools began with training certified teacher-coaches and providing the necessary equipment. This led to dedicated lessons, internal tournaments, a major competition during Qatar's 2025 National Sport Day, and, ultimately, the Qatar Foundation Schools Championship. 'We believe that chess plays a significant role in shaping students' character, which is why we aim to expand its presence to as many schools as possible,' he added. 'Chess is not just a game, it is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, decision-making, and effective planning skills, all of which have a direct impact on students' academic performance and success.' Al-Kaabi pointed out that sports activities, particularly chess tournaments, have had a clear impact on promoting positive behavior among students by reinforcing values such as cooperation, mutual respect, and good sportsmanship. 'Through these activities, we strive to build a balanced educational environment that supports students' academic, personal, and skill development,' he explained. 'We also aim to instill values such as patience, resilience, and self-confidence, key elements in shaping future leaders capable of making effective decisions.' 'We place great importance on diversifying sports activities across the institution to give students the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their skills in various fields, whether physical, like running and swimming, or mental, like chess. This balance between physical and cognitive engagement contributes to shaping well-rounded individuals capable of excellence.' Jassim Nawaf Zainal, an eight-year-old student at Academyati, part of QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'I joined the chess tournament because I really love the game. My journey started when I watched instructional videos online, and I kept learning until I mastered the rules. 'This experience taught me that winning isn't everything. What matters most is enjoying the game and learning from it. Even losing can be a chance to improve, and this competition gave me more confidence and motivation. I'm sure I'll get better with every tournament I play. 'My family always stands by me and encourages me. Even when I feel tired or nervous, they keep supporting and motivating me to keep going and do my best.'
