Doha: Students, professors, and nurses at University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) donated a large quantity of school supplies and toys to children living in refugee camps in Jordan.
Supplies included chalkboards, notebooks, storybooks, pencils, backpacks and games, among others.
The aid to contribute to global relief efforts for Iraqi and Syrian refugee children, was organised in coordination with DHL Express Qatar, which collected and shipped the materials for free under its GoTeach ‘Back to School Drive’ programme.
“UCQ has a diverse community of students, faculty and staff from Qatar and all over the world. One attribute we share is our eagerness to make a positive difference for those in need,” said Lucille Wittstock, Associate Dean, Academic, UCQ.
“Collaborating with engaged local organisations like DHL to support such a worthy cause dovetails with the nursing profession’s intent of improving lives.”
Schoolbags, stationery and toys were shipped by DHL to beneficiaries in 2-18 age group.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees recently estimated the number of refugees in Jordan at over 600,000.
“DHL supports relief efforts around the globe by leveraging its logistics expertise, network, and employee commitment to humanitarian causes,” said Nael Attiyat, Country Manager, DHL Express Qatar.
“DHL Express Qatar is grateful for donations of UCQ nurses, students, faculty and staff that, through its GoTeach programme, will be given to those in need of educational material.”
UCQ also spearheads initiatives to contribute to community health in Qatar. This fall, nursing students are creating and implementing health and wellness projects to benefit 400 predominantly Qatari students of Awsaj Academy, a school for children with learning challenges.
The student body is also active outside the classroom, with many participating in UCQ clubs that organise environmental, health, and humanitarian efforts.
UCQ, Qatar’s exclusive provider of nursing education, develops the country’s nursing leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Next month, it will graduate 76 students from Bachelor of Nursing programmes and nine from Master of Nursing programme — the latter becoming such graduates educated in Qatar for Qatar.
The Peninsula
