Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani with students at the event.
DOHA: AlFaisal Without Borders (ALF) Foundation on Sunday held the first Qatar Schools Forum for its pilot Destination ImagiNation (DI) life skills initiative rolled out in seven schools in Qatar with 230 students taking part in 34 teams.
The forum was a showcase for participating schools and students to explain how they believe the programme has benefitted them and helped them grow personally, socially and academically.
It took place in the presence of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani and Sheikh Mohammad bin Faisal Al Thani, deans of universities in Qatar, heads of schools, about 450 students, parents and teachers from schools across Doha.
Seven teams, one from each school, performed live demonstrations of the programme, displaying how they as a team take on a DI ‘challenge’, one of the essential tasks in the programme that teaches essential life skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and leadership.
Ali Ma’re, Executive Director, ALF Foundation, said, “We are delighted, in this pioneering year of introducing DI to Qatar, to have had such an enthusiastic uptake with seven schools and more than 230 students and 34 teams taking part. We have had serious interest from other schools wanting to participate next year.”
DI focuses on empowering young people by instilling and enhancing core 21st century skills that can transform their chances in education, the workplace and in later life. Students team up to work in groups to solve challenges, helping develop self-esteem, confidence and communication skills to give them a head-start in life. The programme, approved by Supreme Education Council, also instils a respect for other cultures and beliefs, while respecting the values of Islamic teaching in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and ALF Foundation’s ethos.
The Peninsula
