Doha: Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with HundrED, honoured ten innovative educational projects under “Spotlight Qatar”, an initiative designed to highlight the most effective and scalable educational innovations in Qatar.
This initiative focuses on leveraging innovation to address educational challenges, with a particular emphasis on preserving the Arabic language and cultural heritage, enhancing STEM education and sustainability, and improving student engagement in the learning process.
The selected projects include contributions from individuals, schools, and both public and private organisations, addressing key educational and skill development areas tailored to the needs of children and youth.
The initiative showcased a diverse range of pioneering projects, including “Cyber Security Curricula Education,” developed by the National Cybersecurity Agency, “Comic Al Aloom” by Noor Al Muraikhi, “Jothoor Al Arabiya” by Naif Al Ibrahim, “Torba Market Junior Stall Holder” by Fatima Al Khater, and “Moza Ambassadors” from Moza Bint Mohammed Preparatory School for Girls.
Other projects include “A-Z Ramadan” by DADU, The Children’s Museum of Qatar, “Race of Geniuses” by Khalid Bin Ahmed Preparatory Independent School for Boys, “Wadeh Education Channel” by Mohammed Al-Janahi, and “Qesasjeh” by Dha Khassawneh.
Additionally, the initiative features a STEM learning enhancement project using VR and AR technology from Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, further emphasizing the role of innovation in education.
Founder and author of the “Science Comic” project, Noor Al Muraikhi said: “My project aims to simplify scientific concepts through comics, making them more accessible and engaging for students. It’s not just about making learning easier but about sparking curiosity and inspiring students to explore science beyond the classroom.”
Al Muraikhi explained that the project combines humorous illustrations with storytelling techniques to visually represent scientific concepts and seamlessly integrate key terms into narratives, helping students retain information more effectively.
Al Muraikhi further highlighted that the comics are introduced through various channels, including classroom activities, an online educational platform featuring interactive quizzes, and a dedicated website that enables teachers to incorporate them into their lessons.
“To create meaningful change, we must start at the root. Education is the seed, and by shaping learning at the school level, we are shaping the future.”
Dha Khassawneh, the creator of the “Qesasjeh” project and a storyteller, explains: “The project aims to promote the Arabic language through storytelling and narratives for children, followed by interactive workshops in creative thinking or drawing. This approach helps reinforce Arabic identity and develop their linguistic skills.”
“The true impact of this initiative will not be immediate; it is like a seed planted today that will grow and bear fruit in the future.
“Through this, we help children develop problem-solving skills, appreciate different perspectives, and foster a love for reading, all to shape conscious individuals capable of taking responsibility and contributing to their communities.
We aspire to build a generation that possesses critical thinking skills and effective communication, enabling them to be active and engaged members of society.” Khassawneh said.