Celebrating education with Doha Learning Days

WISE today inaugurated Qatar’s first experiential learning festival – Doha Learning Days – which, as a celebration of education, aims to take new experiences and skills into the heart of the local community.

The six-day festival at Education City, which is open to the public and free to attend, was launched during a ceremony that saw Qatar Reads characters Ali and Sara come to life in a performance titled Digital Detox, narrated by ACTory, a Qatar-based theater company, and accompanied by an original score performed by Qatar Music Academy’s Youth Orchestra.

Speaking at the ceremony, which took place at QF’s Ceremonial Court, Dr. Ameena Hussain, Director of Programs & Content, WISE, said: “As demonstrated by the beautiful performance by Qatar Music Academy, Qatar Reads, and ACTory, our key focus during this event is re-centering learning around human values.

“In a world increasingly defined by the technology around us, we’ve worked closely with our partners to present a program that places the human element at the forefront of every learning experience. Whether it be the students working collaboratively to tackle questions around the climate crisis, families coming together to explore issues of wellbeing and mental health through play, or just interacting with members of the community through art, music, or simple conversation. Doha Learning Days aims to bring us all together in an exciting, exploration of learning.

“From sponsors like ExxonMobil who powered this event, to the students who created the artwork you see around you, this has truly been a festival built by the community, for the community.”

WISE – an initiative of Qatar Foundation – has curated a program that will see more than 50 local and international partners come together in Education City to offer a multitude of sessions and interactive learning activities to the local community.

Learning Labs will provide workshops for all ages exploring coding and Artificial Intelligence, while tinkering sessions will combine science with creativity. Additionally, a wellbeing and community activities space will help fuse personal and character development with fitness activities, such as reading in the Library of Wonders, yoga classes, and a CrossFit competition.

In the Networking Majlis, speed-mentoring sessions with Qatar’s female change-makers will give young people access to role models in their community, while activities for students with special needs and their families – such as coding and computer literacy, wellbeing through body movement, and informative consultations and workshops around inclusive learning, care, and accessibility – will also be on offer.

Mohammed Al Hashimi, Senior Advisor – Government & Public Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “We’re excited to be the main sponsor of Doha Learning Days – a fantastic platform that encourages collaboration and partnership in education, and allows teachers and other education experts to learn from each other.

“Whether through empowering teachers’ success, funding diversity initiatives, or partnering with leading education organizations, ExxonMobil is committed to, and associated with, inspiring and preparing students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

“It is an honor to part of this wonderful effort. Together, we can ensure that our children are ready for school success, and that they thrive and help to build a more sustainable future for us all.”

Alongside the sponsorship of ExxonMobil, the festival is being held in partnership with Qatar Rail, Ooredoo, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

For more information about Doha Learning Days, and to register for specific sessions, please visit: www.wise-qatar.org